Possible controls on the bulk composition of the earth - Implications for the origin of the earth and moonIt is pointed out that speculation regarding the bulk chemical composition of the earth, especially its radial distribution, is important for testing ideas on the origin of the earth-moon system. Definitive solutions are, however, unattainable. The reported investigation is concerned with an attempt to select the more plausible possibilities. The evidence on the chemical distribution in the earth is examined and the resulting models of bulk composition are used to check the plausibility of the Ganapathy-Anders model. It is suggested that the chemistry of the earth and moon can be modeled more plausibly in the context of slow, cool accretion of the earth and either simultaneous accretion or disintegrative capture of the moon than by fission or volatilization models based on a hot earth. Many possible aspects need detailed quantitative study including the relation between U content, other heat sources, and heat flow on earth.
Document ID
19780057664
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Smith, J. V. (Chicago, University Chicago, Ill., United States)