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Lunar ferroan anorthosites and mare basalt sources - The mixed connectionGlobal overturn of a hot, gravitationally unstable lunar mantle immediately following the solidification of a magma ocean explains several characteristics of lunar petrology. Lunar mare basalt sources are inferred to be depleted in europium and alumina. These depletions are consensually attributed to complementary plagioclase floating from a magma ocean. However, in contrast to the mare basalt source parent magma, the ferroan anorthosite parent magma was more evolved by virtue of its lower Mg/Fe ratio and Ni abundances, although less evolved in its poverty of clinopyroxene constituents, flat rare earth pattern, and lower incompatible element abundances. The europium anomaly in mare sources is inferred to be present at 400 km depth, too deep to have been directly influenced by plagioclase crystallization. Massive overturning of the post-magma ocean mantle would have carried down clinopyroxene, ilmenite, and phases containing fractionated rare earths, europium anomalies, and some heat-producing radionuclides.
Document ID
19920030327
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ryder, Graham
(Lunar and Planetary Institute Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 18
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
92A12951
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-4066
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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