Timing of the earth's core formation and differentation through the study of 182 w, 186 os and 187 os isotopes in mantle plume derived lavas.

Линиите свързват координатора с партньорите.

Накратко на български

Цел на проекта

The timing of Earth's core formation and inner core crystallization are among the most fundamental questions in Earth science. We propose to address these two key issues in core evolution as physical models differ greatly in their predictions. As was the case in determining the age of the Earth, isotope chronometry is required to resolve these pivotal debates. The rapid development of mass spectrometry has made accessible the appropriate Hf-W, Pt-Os and Re-Os systems to study core processes. We shall overcome the problem of applying these novel tools to material as inaccessible as the core by analyzing mantle derived material that is believed to have interacted with the core. The estimated degree of interaction is sufficient to resolve the W-isotope anomalies that would result if the core formed early and so this provides the most direct approach to this longstanding question. The lack of a W-isotope anomaly would strengthen a recent proposal that core formation was late. Second, the onset of inner core crystallization will be addressed by combining W- and Os-isotopes. The Os composition of the outer core is dependent on the timing of inner core crystallization, whereas correlated W-isotopes will indicate that the Os-signature reflects core differentiation. If Os-anomalies are present in Archean (>25 Ga) rocks, then this is evidence for even earlier onset of inner core crystallization. Published data already hints to this conclusion although it needs to be confirmed.

Оригинален текст от CORDIS (на английски).

Участници

• UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL · BRISTOL, CLIFTONКоординаторОбединеното кралство

Връзки

• Виж в CORDIS