Missing molybdenum and the composition of the continental crust inferred from molybdenum isotopes.

ABSTRACT: Accurately constraining the molybdenum (Mo) isotope composition (δ^98/95Mo) of Earth's major reservoirs is essential for understanding its evolution. However, δ^98/95Mo of the continental crust (CC), particularly the middle and lower crust, remains poorly constrained. Here we show the Mo isotope data for the Gangdese arc section in combination with published data from ultramafic-mafic, intermediate and felsic intrusions, representing the lower, middle and upper CC, respectively, constrain variability within the CC. Mass balance calculations using several crustal depth models generate an average δ^98/95Mo of the bulk CC of -0.116 ± 0.011‰ (2 s.d.), resolvably heavier than the bulk silicate Earth. Global scale mass balance modeling demonstrates that the Mo isoto

SUBMITTER: Tian Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12748804 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature