Sputtering - Its relationship to isotopic fractionation on the lunar surfaceSilicon, oxygen, sulfur and, possibly, potassium show systematic enrichment of heavier isotopes with increasing soil maturity, probably as a result of solar-wind sputtering, but such a pattern is not exhibited by solar wind-implanted species. Apparently sputter-erosion is not penetrating to their implantation depth, about 200 A. This suggests that sputtering on the moon is being impeded by deposition of vapor condensate following meteoritic impact. Although neither secular variation in the isotopic composition at the source of regolith carbon, probably the solar wind, nor isotopic fractionation of carbon after implantation in the regolith can be ruled out, carbon isotope systematics currently yield no evidence in support of either process.
Document ID
19790055178
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Kerridge, J. F. (California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Kaplan, I. R. (California, University Los Angeles, Calif., United States)