Abstract
BLACK magnetic spherules found in deposits collected by the Challenger Expedition (1872–76) have been recognized as being probably of cosmic origin1. These spherules represent but a very small fraction of the sediments by mass, and have little effect on their average chemical composition. The relatively high nickel content of deep-sea deposits in the Pacific Ocean led Pettersson and Rotschi2 to suggest a cosmic origin for the excess nickel. The amount of accretion of cosmic matter by the earth required to account for this excess would not conflict with some estimates of the density of matter in the zodiacal-light cloud3, although other estimates would fall short of the requirements.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Murray, J., and Renard, A. F., Challenger Rep. on Deep-Sea Deposits, 4, 327 (1891).
Pettersson, H., and Rotschi, H., Nature, 166, 308 (1950); Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta, 2, 81 (1952).
Öpik, E. J., Irish Astro. J., 1, 145 (1951).
Laevastu, T., and Mellis, O., Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union (in the press).
Öpik, E. J., Proc. Roy. Irish Acad., 54A, 165 (1951).
Smales, A. A., and Wiseman, J. D. H., Nature, 175, 464 (1955).
Öpik, E. J., Mem. Soc. Roy. Sci. Liège, 15, 125 (1955) ; Irish Astro. J., 3, 165 (1955).
Jacchia, L. G., Astrophys. J., 121, 521 (1955). McCrosky, R. E. (private communication).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ÖPIK, E. Cosmic Sources of Deep-Sea Deposits. Nature 176, 926–927 (1955). https://doi.org/10.1038/176926a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/176926a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.