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Modelling the isotopic evolution of the Earth.

Debajyoti Paul1, William M White, Donald L Turcotte

  • 1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
|December 4, 2002
PubMed
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This study introduces a new Earth model that simulates geochemical processes and isotope evolution. The model successfully replicates lead isotope data in the upper mantle, challenging previous assumptions about its depletion over time.

Area of Science:

  • Geochemistry
  • Isotope Geochemistry
  • Earth System Science

Background:

  • Understanding Earth's geochemical evolution requires accurate modeling of isotope systems.
  • Previous models have struggled to replicate the observed lead isotope systematics of the depleted upper mantle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a flexible multi-reservoir forward-transport model of Earth.
  • To incorporate Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, U-Th-Pb-He, and K-Ar isotope-decay systematics.
  • To reproduce the Pb-isotope systematics of the depleted upper mantle, a key challenge for prior models.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a multi-reservoir forward-transport model of Earth.
  • Utilized differential equations to simulate nuclide abundance changes over geological time.
  • Incorporated fluxes keyed to heat production and constrained by present-day estimates and reservoir sizes.

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  • Used 'enrichment factors' to link elemental transport to fluxes, allowing for fractionation.

    • Main Results:

    • Successfully reproduced the Pb-isotope systematics of the depleted upper mantle, attributing it to U and radiogenic Pb subduction from the continental crust.
    • Replicated observed Sr, Nd, Ar, and He isotope ratios in the atmosphere, continental crust, and mantle.
    • Demonstrated that both steady-state and time-variant incompatible-element concentrations in the continental crust and upper mantle are possible.
    • Showed that incompatible-element concentrations can increase over time in the depleted mantle, invalidating assumptions of progressive depletion or steady-state.

    Conclusions:

    • Assumptions of a progressively depleting or steady-state upper mantle are not supported by the model.
    • Early rapid depletion of the upper mantle in incompatible elements is a ubiquitous feature, making a near-chondritic Th/U ratio in the Archean upper mantle unlikely.
    • The optimal K/U ratio for the bulk silicate Earth is suggested to be around 10,000.