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An impact-induced terrestrial atmosphere and iron-water reactions during accretion of the EarthShock wave data and theoretical calculations were used to derive models of an impact-generated terrestrial atmosphere during accretion of the Earth. The models showed that impacts of infalling planetesimals not only provided the entire budget of terrestrial water but also led to a continuous depletion of near-surface layers of water-bearing minerals of their structural water. This resulted in a final atmospheric water reservoir comparable to the present day total water budget of the Earth. The interaction of metallic iron with free water at the surface of the accreting Earth is considered. We carried out model calcualtions simulating these processes during accretion. It is assumed that these processes are the prime source of the terrestrial FeO component of silicates and oxides. It is demonstrated that the iron-water reaction would result in the absence of atmospheric/hydrospheric water, if homogeneous accretion is assumed. In order to obtain the necessary amount of terrestrial water, slightly heterogeneous accretion with initially 36 wt% iron planetesimals, as compared with a homogeneous value of 34 wt% is required.
Document ID
19850025551
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lange, M. A.
(Alfred-Wegener-Inst. for Polar Research Bremerhaven, Germany)
Ahrens, T. J.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst. Terrest. Planets: Comp. Planetology
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85N33864
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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