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Earth's volatile contents established by melting and vaporization
C Ashley Norris1, Bernard J Wood1
1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3AN, UK.
Nature
|September 30, 2017
Summary
Earth
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry and Planetary Science
- Early Solar System Evolution
- Elemental Abundance Studies
Background:
- The Earth's silicate mantle is significantly depleted in moderately volatile elements compared to CI chondrites.
- Existing models involving accretion of volatile-rich bodies and core extraction do not fully explain observed elemental depletions, particularly indium's overabundance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of melting and vaporization processes during planetary accretion in establishing Earth's volatile element inventory.
- To reconcile the observed depletion patterns of moderately volatile elements in the silicate Earth.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of melting processes occurring during Earth's accretion and on precursor bodies.
- Experimental vaporization of materials under controlled temperature and oxygen fugacity conditions.
Main Results:
- The observed pattern of volatile element depletion in the silicate Earth aligns with partial melting and vaporization.
- These processes, rather than simple accretion of volatile-rich chondrites, better explain elemental abundances.
Conclusions:
- Melting and vaporization on precursor bodies and during the Moon-forming impact likely established Earth's volatile element composition.
- This provides a more comprehensive explanation for the depletion of moderately volatile elements in the terrestrial silicate.
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