The enigmatic evolution of Mercury

Mercury is an extreme end-member of our Solar System in its proximity to the Sun, core size and composition, to name a few. Here Dr. Parman will focus on its extremely low oxygen fugacity, and show how this has exerted a primary control on Mercury's geochemical and geophysical evolution. Of particular interest is the role sulfur plays in changing the composition, structure and physical properties of melts, as well as the stability of solid phases. Dr. Parman will describe new experiments and (if time permits) new spacecraft missions that are needed to further our understanding of the innermost planet.