NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Test of a model for trace element partition during closed-system solidification of a silicate liquidTrace-element concentrations in separated minerals and rock fragments from a coarsely crushed and sieved sample of medium-grained lunar basalt are determined by high-precision instrumental neutron activation analysis for three main purposes. These are: (1) to test a previously proposed model for describing trace-element behavior during solidification of a silicate liquid under conditions of a closed system; (2) to compare trace-element concentrations among different size fractions of a comminuted basalt; and (3) to investigate small-scale heterogeneity within a single medium-grained basalt. It is found that an excellent mass balance for the whole rock is attained in terms of the trace-element concentrations of the component minerals and mesostasis, that the mixing model describing this mass balance yields a superior modal analysis for the whole rock, and that different size fractions of the coarsely crushed basalt vary in mineral composition. The closed-system model is shown to account properly for the average behavior of the trace elements during solidification of the basalt, and values of distribution coefficients are obtained for incompatible elements in that rock.
Document ID
19770058386
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Haskin, L. A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex., United States)
Korotev, R. L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex.; Wisconsin, University, Madison, Wis., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Volume: 41
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
77A41238
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-13686
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available