NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Magma ocean formation due to giant impactsThe thermal effects of giant impacts are studied by estimating the melt volume generated by the initial shock wave and corresponding magma ocean depths. Additionally, the effects of the planet's initial temperature on the generated melt volume are examined. The shock pressure required to completely melt the material is determined using the Hugoniot curve plotted in pressure-entropy space. Once the melting pressure is known, an impact melting model is used to estimate the radial distance melting occurred from the impact site. The melt region's geometry then determines the associated melt volume. The model is also used to estimate the partial melt volume. Magma ocean depths resulting from both excavated and retained melt are calculated, and the melt fraction not excavated during the formation of the crater is estimated. The fraction of a planet melted by the initial shock wave is also estimated using the model.
Document ID
19930049222
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Tonks, W. B.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Melosh, H. J.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
March 25, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 98
Issue: E3
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93A33219
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-50796
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available