Is the depletion of the moderately volatile elements in the Earth inherited from nebular processes? (B08)

The Earth shows variable depletion of volatile elements compared to the Sun, but it is unclear if these depletions reflect magmatic degassing losses from differentiated precursor bodies of Earth or inheritance from nebular volatile loss processes. The latter hypothesis is supported by the correlation of mass dependent Zn isotopic variations with Zn depletion in the bulk silicate Earth and carbonaceous chondrites. Because the ultimate cause of the isotopic variations remains unclear, this project will study stable isotope variations of Zn, Cu and K in components of carbonaceous chondrites in relation to the bulk silicate Earth.

DFG Programme CRC/Transregios

Subproject of TRR 170:  Late Accretion onto Terrestrial Planets

Applicant Institution Universität Münster

Project Heads Professor Dr. Harry Becker; Professor Dr. Timm John