New advances in using seismic anisotropy, mineral physics and geodynamics to understand deformation in the lowermost mantle

The D′′ region, which lies in the lowermost few hundred kilometres of the mantle, is a central cog in the Earth's heat engine, influencing convection in the underlying core and overlying mantle. In recent years dense seismic networks have revealed a wealth of information about the seismic properties of this region, which are distinct from those of the mantle above. Here we review observations of seismic anisotropy in this region. In the past it has been assumed that the region exhibits a simple form of transverse isotropy with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI anisotropy). We summarise new methodologies for characterising a more general style of anisotropy using observations from a range of azimuths. The observations can be then used to constrain the mineralogy of the region and its style of deformation by a lattice preferred orientation (LPO) of the constituent minerals. Of specific interest is the recent discovery of the stability of the post-perovskite phase in this region, which might explain many enigmatic properties of D′′. Mantle flow models based on density models derived from global tomographic seismic velocity models can be used to test plausible mineralogies, such as post-perovskite, and their deformation mechanisms. Here we show how linked predictions from mineral physics, geodynamical modelling and seismic observations can be used to better constrain the dynamics, mineralogy and physical properties of the lowermost mantle.

► We review the use of seismic anisotropy to understand lowermost mantle processes.
► Recent studies constrain complex styles of anisotropy using several azimuths.
► We discuss advances in using measurements to infer flow at the base of the mantle.
► Future progress needs joint study of seismology, mineral physics and geodynamics.