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Geochemical constraints on core formation in the Earth

Nature volume 322, pages 221–228 (1986)Cite this article

Abstract

New experimental data on the partitioning of siderophile and chalcophile elements among metallic and silicate phases may be used to constrain hypotheses of core formation in the Earth. Three current hypotheses can explain gross features of mantle geochemistry, but none predicts siderophile and chalcophile element abundances to within a factor of two of observed values. Either our understanding of metal–silicate interactions and / or our understanding of the early Earth requires revision.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA

    John H. Jones & Michael J. Drake

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  1. John H. Jones
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  2. Michael J. Drake
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Jones, J., Drake, M. Geochemical constraints on core formation in the Earth. Nature 322, 221–228 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1038/322221a0

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