This book summarizes the results of the experimental studies of phase relations in the chemical systems relevant to Earth, carried out by the author in a time period of over 20 years between 1979 and 2001. It is based on 1,000 pistoncylinder experiments at pressures up to 4 GPa and close to 700 experiments carried out with a multi-anvil apparatus at pressures up to 24 GPa. The emphasis in these studies was on internal consistency. Large sets of data were produced using the same sample assembly, high-pressure apparatus, experimental procedures and calibrations by the same experimentalist to maximize the internal consistency. The results were published in 70 peer-reviewed articles listed at the end of the book. These are referenced only by the corresponding number, while the full reference is given for all other sources. <...>

Metamorphic rocks make up much of the deeper parts of orogenic belts. The minerals and mineral assemblages present in these rocks contain information about the conditions of formation of the rocks. This information may be used to decipher parts of the tectonometamorphic processes that were involved in the formation of the rocks. The unravelling of the conditions of formation is therefore important if the tectonothermal history of an orogen is to be determined <...>

As illustrated by the broad range of topics presented in this volume, the mineral apatite, Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,Cl), is of importance in a greater variety of fields than virtually any other mineral. It is of particular significance in Earth science, life science, and material science; the foundation of this significance is the apatite atomic arrangement.

The field of ultrasonics is a branch of acoustics dealing with frequencies generally beyond the audible limit. As such, the application of the principles of classical acoustics serves equally well in the audible and ultrasonic regimes. However, as noted by Hubbard (1940), “While it is a logical extension of well-known principles, its growth has been signalized by the discovery of phenomena peculiar to the new ranges of frequency.” It is the research, development and use of the “peculiar phenomena” that has created the very broad field of ultrasonics. The objective of this work will be to review the history of that field. <...>