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Element Partitioning Constraints on Formation and Composition of the Earth's CoreElement partitioning study provides a number of constraints on the formation and composition of the core. First, partitioning of siderophile elements between the core and mantle should explain the "excess" siderophile elements in the mantle. Second, partitioning of light element(s) between the core and mantle should supply the core with the right amount of light element(s) to account for the density deficit in the core. Third, partitioning of light element(s) between the inner and outer core should be consistent with the observed difference in density deficits (relative to pure Fe) between these two reservoirs. In this study, high-pressure and high-temperature experiments have been conducted to investigate the pressure, temperature, and composition effects on partitioning of siderophile elements Ni and Co between core-forming Fe alloy and mantle silicate melt and minerals, partitioning of light elements S, O, and Si between core-forming Fe alloy and mantle silicate melt and minerals, and partitioning of light elements S and C between solid and liquid Fe. The implications of these results for mechanism of core formation and the composition of the core are discussed.
Document ID
20000000520
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Li, J.
(Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington, DC United States)
Agee, C. B.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Fei, Y.
(Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Origin of the Earth and Moon
Subject Category
Geophysics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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