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Summary: © 1999 Macmillan Magazines Ltd
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The melting curve of iron
at the pressures of the Earth's
core from ab initio calculations
D. AlfeÁ*, M. J. Gillan² & G. D. Price*
* Research School of Geological and Geophysical Sciences, Birkbeck College and
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
² Physics and Astronomy Department, University College London, Gower Street,
London WC1E 6BT, UK
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The solid inner core of the Earth and the liquid outer core consist
mainly of iron1
so that knowledge of the high-pressure thermo-
dynamic properties of iron is important for understanding the
Earth's deep interior. An accurate knowledge of the melting
properties of iron is particularly important, as the temperature
distribution in the core is relatively uncertain2±4
and a reliable
estimate of the melting temperature of iron at the pressure of the
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