Subduction factory 1. Theoretical mineralogy, densities, seismic wave speeds, and H 2 O contents

We present a new compilation of physical properties of minerals relevant to subduction zones and new phase diagrams for mid‐ocean ridge basalt, lherzolite, depleted lherzolite, harzburgite, and serpentinite. We use these data to calculate H 2 O content, density and seismic wave speeds of subduction zone rocks. These calculations provide a new basis for evaluating the subduction factory, including (1) the presence of hydrous phases and the distribution of H 2 O within a subduction zone; (2) the densification of the subducting slab and resultant effects on measured gravity and slab shape; and (3) the variations in seismic wave speeds resulting from thermal and metamorphic processes at depth. In considering…