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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
06:04
Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
Provenance of the terrestrial planets
1Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015, USA.
Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Planetary formation models show terrestrial planets gain material from wide heliocentric distances, not just local zones. This explains compositional variations and the inclusion of vital light elements from the asteroid belt.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrophysics
- Computational Astrophysics
Background:
- Previous models explored simultaneous accumulation of the asteroid belt and terrestrial planets.
- Stochastic variations in accumulation processes yield diverse planetary configurations.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the contribution of material from different heliocentric distances to final terrestrial planets.
- Analyze the validity of "local feeding zones" in planetary formation models.
- Understand the origins of compositional differences among terrestrial planets.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 59 new simulations of planetary accumulation.
- Selected 13 simulations exhibiting features similar to the Solar System.
- Analyzed material provenance and heliocentric distances of simulated planets.
Main Results:
- The concept of "local feeding zones" was found invalid for this model.
- Terrestrial planets accrue significant material from 0.5 AU to beyond 2.5 AU.
- A correlation exists between a planet's final heliocentric distance and its average material origin.
- Stochastic fluctuations contribute to variations in terrestrial planet composition.
Conclusions:
- Terrestrial planet formation involves widespread material accretion, challenging "local feeding zone" theories.
- Compositional diversity, like density differences between Earth and Mars, arises from varied material sources.
- Biologically significant light elements from the asteroid belt likely contributed to Earth's formation.
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