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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
19850047888
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Morgan, P.
(Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX; Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
February 15, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research, Supplement
Volume: 90
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
85A30039
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-3389
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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