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Detailed Reference Information |
Allegre, C.J., Poirier, J.P., Humler, E. and Hofmann, A.W. (1995). The Chemical-Composition of the Earth. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 134(3-4): 515-526. doi: 10.1016/0012-821X(95)00123-T. |
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The bulk composition of the Earth and the composition of the mantle and core are calculated using the ratios of major and trace elements. The ratios of elements which do not enter the core (lithophile) are the same in the bulk Earth as in the mantle. Bulk earth ratios involving an element that does enter the core (siderophile) are therefore determined from meteorite correlation diagrams of siderophile-lithophile ratios vs. lithophile-lithophile ratios and from primitive mantle composition in elements which do not enter the core (e.g., Al). The composition of the core is determined by difference, without resorting to assumptions about core formation processes. It is found that the core contains about 7.3 wt% silicon and 2.3 wt% sulphur. To account for the seismologically determined density deficit of the core, about 4 wt% oxygen must be added. The present results are compatible with the idea that the core material equilibrated at low pressure, in reducing conditions. Furthermore, we propose that the Earth is closer to CM rather than to Cl for non-volatile element ratios. |
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DATABASE QUICK LINKS |
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GERM Reservoir Database |
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EarthRef Digital Archive |
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BACKGROUND DATA FILES |
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Abstract |
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Table 1 |
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Table 2 |
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Keywords
high-pressure, upper mantle, core, origin, constraints, elements, history, carbon, model, moon |
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Publisher
Elsevier Science P.O. Box 211 1000 AE Amsterdam The Netherlands (+31) 20 485 3757 (+31) 20 485 3432 nlinfo-f@elsevier.com |
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