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Fractionation of noble gases by thermal escape from accreting planetesimalsAssuming solar initial elemental and isotopic ratios and a determination of the degree of fractionation occurring by competition between gravitational binding and escape, a model is developed for selective noble gas loss through escape during the growth of planetesimals to form the terrestrial planets. Of the two classes of planetesimals that can form on a time scale that is consistent with modern accretion models, one is depleted in neon while the other is neon-rich. The mechanism is noted to be capable of accounting for all known properties of the noble gas volatiles on the terrestrial planets, with only one exception, namely the Ar-36/Ar-38 ratios for Mars and the earth, which are much lower than observed.
Document ID
19860061138
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Donahue, T. M.
(Michigan, University Ann Arbor, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 66
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
86A45876
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS2-9126
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-81-16689
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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