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Accretion of the terrestrial planets. IIThe theory of gravitational accretion of the terrestrial planets is examined. The concept of a 'closed feeding zone' is somewhat unrealistic, but provides a lower bound on the accretion time. A velocity relation for planetesimals which includes an initial velocity component is suggested. The orbital parameters of the planetesimals and the dimensions of the feeding zone are related to their relative velocities. The assumption of an initial velocity does not seriously change the accretion time. Mercury, Venus, and the earth have accretion times on the order of 100 million years. Mars requires well over one billion years to accrete by the same assumptions. The lunar cratering history makes a late formation of Mars unlikely. If Mars is as old as the earth, nongravitational forces or a violation of the feeding zone concept is required. One such possibility is the removal of matter from the zone of Mars by Jupiter's influence. The final sweeping up by Mars would result in the scattering of a considerable mass among the other terrestrial planets. The late postaccretional bombardments inferred for the moon and Mercury may have had this source.
Document ID
19760041723
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Weidenschilling, S. J.
(MIT Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 27
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
76A24689
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-22-009-521
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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