EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Norman et al. 2006
Norman, M.D., Yaxley, G.M., Bennett, V.C. and Brandon, A.D. (2006). Magnesium isotopic composition of olivine from the Earth, Mars, Moon, and pallasite parent body. Geophysical Research Letters 33: doi: 10.1029/2006GL026446. issn: 0094-8276.

To investigate the nebular history of material contributing to the terrestrial planets, and search for evidence of a high-temperature origin of the Moon, we measured Mg isotopic compositions of primitive olivines from the Earth, Moon, Mars, and pallasite parent body using laser-ablation multi-collector ICPMS. No temporal variation in the Earth's mantle since at least 3.8 Ga, and only limited variations in the compositions of mantle sources from diverse tectonic settings were found. Earth, Moon, Mars, and differentiated asteroids appear to have formed from a nebular reservoir that was homogeneous with respect to Mg isotopes. This implies either a minor role for evaporation-condensation in the inner solar system, or a limited variation in the proportion of refractory CAI-like material contributing to the terrestrial planets. The Mg isotopic composition of the Moon is identical to the Earth's mantle, placing strong constraints on any volatility-related fractionation that occurred during formation of the Moon.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Geochemistry, Composition of the mantle, Geochemistry, Composition of the planets, Geochemistry, Stable isotope geochemistry (0454, 4870), Geochemistry, Planetary geochemistry (5405, 5410, 5704, 5709, 6005, 6008)
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit