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Constraints on the moon's origin from the partitioning behaviour of tungstenAn evaluation is conducted of the parameters which control the partitioning of W between metal and silicate in the moon, taking into account information on the possible magnitudes of the lunar W depletion and the possible lunar metal content. A major question regarding depletion of W during partial melting is found to be related to the very homogeneous W/La ratios in lunar samples. It is concluded that a metal content consistent with present geophysical constraints on the size of a metallic lunar core could account for the depletion of W observed in lunar rocks. The low W/La ratio of the moon cannot be used as evidence for the formation of the moon from the earth's mantle by fission following terrestrial core formation. The approximate coincidence of W/La ratios in the earth, moon, and eucrite parent body may only reflect the operation of the same depletion mechanism in similar conditions on several parent bodies.
Document ID
19820049922
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Newsom, H. E.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Drake, M. J.
(Arizona, University Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
May 20, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 297
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
82A33457
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7576
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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