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Partitioning of Cr, V, and Mn between mantles and cores of differentiated planetesimals - Implications for giant impact hypothesis of lunar origin

Journal Article · · Icarus (International Journal of the Solar System); (USA)
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Australian National University, Canberra (Australia)
The partition coefficients of Cr, V, and Mn between metallic Fe and the mineral phases present in the mantle of a giant planetesimal have been determined in the 1500-2000 C range at 3-25 GPa, in order to ascertain whether the formation of an Fe core within a differentiated giant planetesimal could have caused depletions of Cr, V, and Mn in the Mars-sized planetesimal hypothesized as the basis for lunar formation after impact with the earth. The results obtained indicate that the formation of such an Fe core would have led to no such depletion; Cr, V, and Mn are depleted relative to Mg in the earth mantle to a degree comparable to the lunar depletion factor, suggesting that the protolunar material was primarily derived from the earth's mantle. 36 refs.
OSTI ID:
5932049
Journal Information:
Icarus (International Journal of the Solar System); (USA), Journal Name: Icarus (International Journal of the Solar System); (USA) Vol. 89; ISSN ICRSA; ISSN 0019-1035
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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