Depletion of potassium and sodium in mantles of Mars, Moon and Vesta by core formation.

ABSTRACT: The depletions of potassium (K) and sodium (Na) in samples from planetary interiors have long been considered as primary evidence for their volatile behavior during planetary formation processes. Here, we use high-pressure experiments combined with laser ablation analyses to measure the sulfide-silicate and metal-silicate partitioning of K and Na at high pressure (P) - temperature (T) and find that their partitioning into metal strongly increases with temperature. Results indicate that the observed Vestan and Martian mantle K and Na depletions can reflect sequestration into their sulfur-rich cores in addition to their volatility during formation of Mars and Vesta. This suggests that alkali depletions are not affected solely by incomplete condensation or partial volatilization during planet

SUBMITTER: Steenstra ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5935680 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature