Abstract When deformed by dislocation creep the dominant slip (Burgers) vectors of olivine dislocations are parallel to [100] or [001]. Dislocations with an [010] Burgers vector component (b dislocations) have been recorded rarely. Here we show an experimentally deformed olivine sample has a substantial population (17%) of b dislocations. Electron Backscatter Diffraction maps of crystal orientations provided information on dislocations from the orientation gradients. Maps show the b dislocations form subgrain walls like those formed by other dislocation types and are interpreted to form similarly by glide and climb, so b dislocations are mobile. To confirm our approach, we used Electron Backscatter Diffraction maps to select an area for Transmission Electron Microscopy imaging, down to an atomic scale image of a b dislocation. Our sample was deformed within range of subduction zone conditions; our approach can be used to investigate the scale and conditions of b slip in the mantle more widely.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: December 19, 2025 03:16 AM
Atmospheric CO₂
427.2 ppm
+17.7
ppm/year
Atmospheric CH₄
1930.95 ppb
+-3.5
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year