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Re: Enstatite Chondrites, and the formation of the Earth.
I have been reading some articles that argue that the Earth was
formed by the accretion of E-chondrite material. The material in question
is high iron e-chondrites(EH), and how their stable isotopes,and
elemental compositions, relate to the upper mantle of Earth. I should
note, this is only a argument, and not a fact etched in stone.
The argument in it's most basic form is this: The upper mantle
gives a specific set of values when elemental compositions are
considered. If E-chondrites are anaylized in the same manner, with a
little bit of CI-chondrite material mixed in, then the same composition
percentages are obtained. Here is a personal feeling: I find this to be
very exciting, as my interests lie in this area!
I would explain more, but frankly, I have not understood all the
chemistry involved, nor have I deciphered the CI-chondrite, and
E-chondrite relationships. This is the most technical article I have ever
encountered.
Here though, is what I do know, and it is quite profound if it is
true. The Earth, according to this model, formed in two phases, one of
uptake, and then release. This means the early Earth, formed by uptaking
silica from melting material. This silica was then released as liquid
metallic material sank to the core of the Earth. This would explain the
differences in elemental compositions seen today in the crust of the Earth,
and the core. Pretty neat I think!
I will read into this more, and will answer specific questions on
this subject. Please feel free to write them to me(preferably by the
list, as I am sure a lot of people are interested).
Frank Stroik
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