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Lightning strike fusion: extreme reduction and metal-silicate liquid immiscibility
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 10, 1986
Summary
Lightning strikes can create highly reduced materials, including native silicon globules, by reaching extreme temperatures over 2000 K. These findings shed light on geological processes and geochemical anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Mineralogy
- Planetary Science
Background:
- Fulgurites are glassy materials formed by lightning strikes.
- Recent Michigan fulgurite contains unusual metallic globules rich in native silicon.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the unusual metallic globules found in a Michigan fulgurite.
- Elucidate the conditions of fulgurite formation and extreme reduction events.
Main Methods:
- Thermodynamic calculations to determine formation temperatures and conditions.
- Analysis of metallic and silicate liquid phases.
Main Results:
- Formation required temperatures exceeding 2000 K and highly reducing conditions (SiO(2)-Si buffer).
- Produced highly reduced natural materials, including native silicon globules.
- Metallic liquids scavenged platinum-group elements.
Conclusions:
- Lightning strikes can cause extreme reduction and volatilization.
- These processes may explain some geochemical anomalies, like those at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary.
- Terrestrial lightning could contribute to extraterrestrial impact-related anomalies.
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