V, Cr, and Mn in the Earth, Moon, EPB, and SPB and the origin of the Moon: Experimental studies

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(89)90328-1· OSTI ID:7164066

Drake, M J; Capobianco, C J ^[1]; Newsom, H E ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Arizona, Tucson (USA)
2. Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque (USA)

The abundances of V, Cr, and Mn inferred for the mantles of the Earth and Moon decrease in that order and are similar, but are distinct from those inferred for the mantles of the Eucrite Parent Body (EPB) and Shergottite Parent Body (SPB). This similarity between Earth and Moon has been used to suggest that the Moon is derived substantially or entirely from Earth mantle material following terrestrial core formation. To test this hypothesis, the authors have determined the partitioning of V, Cr, and Mn between solid iron metal, S-rich metallic liquid, and synthetic basaltic silicate liquid at 1,260{degree}C and one bar pressure. The sequence of compatibility in the metallic phases is Cr > V > Mn at high oxygen fugacity and V > Cr > Mn at low oxygen fugacities. Solubilities in liquid metal always exceed solubilities in solid metal. These partition coefficients suggest that the abundances of V, Cr, and Mn do not reflect core formation in the Earth. Rather, they are consistent with the relative volatilities of these elements. The similarity in the depletion patterns of V, Cr, and Mn inferred for the mantles of the Earth and Moon is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for the Moon to have been derived wholly or in part from the Earth's mantle.

• OSTI ID: 7164066
• Journal Information: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (USA), Journal Name: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (USA) Vol. 53:8; ISSN GCACA; ISSN 0016-7037
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
640107 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ASTEROIDS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMISTRY
CHROMIUM
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COSMOLOGICAL MODELS
EARTH MANTLE
ELEMENTS
GEOCHEMISTRY
LUNAR MATERIALS
MANGANESE
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
METALS
METEORITES
MOON
SATELLITES
SOLAR SYSTEM EVOLUTION
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VANADIUM