The homologous temperature of a crystalline material is defined as the ratio between temperature and the melting (solidus) temperature (Tm) in Kelvin. Because Tm of a crystalline material is controlled by the bonding force between atoms, T/Tm has been widely used to compare the creep strength of crystalline materials. As the most abundant mineral in the upper mantle, olivine is the solid solution of forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and fayalite (Fe2SiO4). Recent deformation experiments have revealed the influence of water, temperature, pressure, stress and partial melting on fabric development of olivine. However, how to extrapolate laboratory results to mantle deformation is still under debate.
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