Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful technique to study in situ and in real-time the structural and kinetic processes of pressure-induced phase transformations. This paper presents the experimental set-up developed at beamline ID27 of the ESRF to perform time-resolved angle dispersive XRD in the Paris-Edinburgh cell. It provides a practical guide for the acquisition of isobaric-isothermal kinetic data and the construction of transformation-time plots. The interpretation of experimental data in terms of reaction mechanisms and transformation rates is supported by an overview of the kinetic theory of solid-solid transformations, with each step of data processing illustrated by experimental results of relevance to the geosciences. Reaction kinetics may be affected by several factors such as the sample microstructure, impurities or differential stress. Further high-pressure kinetic studies should investigate the influence of such processes, in order to acquire kinetic information more akin to natural or technological processes.

The response of organic matter to high-temperature events is important to astrobiology, as it governs the survival of carbon during several processes that may be critical to the origin and spread of life. Impact cratering is a widespread high-temperature process. The behaviour of carbon during impact events is not well understood. But there is the potential to examine other examples of the response of organic matter to high-temperature processes in the terrestrial geological record. In this study, we report on the interaction of Tertiary igneous intrusions (dolerite sills) and carbon-rich Jurassic mudrocks on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Despite the high temperatures of the igneous intrusion, carbon has been preserved at the dolerite–shale contact and in shale enclaves where partial melting of the shale has occurred. Even though the temperatures achieved by igneous intrusion are much lower than during impact events, it is a valuable analogue, because it represents a rapid introduction of high temperatures to a carbon-rich rock.