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Crustal radiogenic heat production and the selective survival of ancient continental crustIt is pointed out that the oldest terrestrial rocks have so far revealed no evidence of the impact phase of Earth evolution. This observation suggests that processes other than impact were dominant at the time of stabilization of these units. However, a use of the oldest terrestrial rocks as a sample of the early terrestrial crust makes it necessary to consider the possibility that these rocks may represent a biased sample. In the present study, the global continental heat flow data set is used to provide further evidence that potassium, uranium, and thorium abundances are, on the average, low in surviving Archean crust relative to younger continental crust. An investigation is conducted of the implications of relatively low crustal radiogenic heat production to the stabilization of early continental crust, and possible Archean crustal stabilization models are discussed.
Document ID
19850024773
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Morgan, P.
(Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Workshop on the Early Earth: The Interval from Accretion to the Older Archean
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85N33086
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-3389
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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