Tectonic implications of radiogenic noble gases in planetary atmospheres

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1988 · Icarus; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0019-1035(88)90029-2· OSTI ID:6934825

Turcotte, D L; Schubert, G

An account is given of the ways in which the He-4 and Ar-40 radiogenic isotopes furnish important constraints on planetary interior tectonics. In the case of the earth, where there are such independent constraints on radiogenic isotope concentrations as observed surface heat flow, the specification of radiogenic isotope concentration allows the interpretation of data on the Ar-40 atmospheric mass and mantle He-4 in terms of models for the entire mantle and of layered mantle convection. He loss rate estimates through the Venus atmosphere indicate a flux that is nearly equal to that through the earth atmosphere. 34 references.

• Research Organization: Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA); California Univ., Los Angeles (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6934825
• Journal Information: Icarus; (United States), Vol. 74
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH PLANET
TECTONICS
PLANETARY EVOLUTION
VENUS PLANET
ARGON ISOTOPES
CONSTRAINTS
HELIUM ISOTOPES
MOON
ORIGIN
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
RARE GASES
ATMOSPHERES
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
ISOTOPES
NONMETALS
PLANETS
SATELLITES
SOLAR SYSTEM EVOLUTION
640107* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Planetary Phenomena