The moon: Composition determined by nebular processes
The Moon and the Planets
By: J. W. Morgan, J. Hertogen, and E. Anders
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Abstract
The bulk composition of the Moon was determined by the conditions in the solar nebula during its formation, and may be quantitatively estimated from the premise that the terrestrial planets were formed by cosmochemical processes similar to those recorded in the chondrites. The calculations are based on the Ganapathy-Anders 7-component model using trace element indicators, but incorportate improved geophysical data and petrological constraints. A model Moon with 40 ppb U, a core 2% by weight (1.8% metal with ???35% Ni and 0.2% FeS) and Mg/(Fe2++Mg)?????0.75 meets the trace element restrictions, and has acceptable density, heat flow and moment of inertia ratio. The high Ni content of the core permits low-Ti mare basalts to equilibrate with metal, yet still retain substantial Ni. The silicate resembles the Taylor-Jakes?? composition (and in some respects the waif Ganapathy-Anders Model 2a), but has lower SiO2. Minor modifications of the model composition (U=30-35 ppb) yield a 50% melt approximating Apollo 15 green glass and a residuum of olivine plus 3 to 4% spinel; the low SiO2, favors spinel formation, and, contrary to expectation, Cr is not depleted in the liquid. There may no longer be any inconsistency between the cosmochemical approach and arguments based on experimental petrology. ?? 1978 D. Reidel Publishing Company.
Suggested Citation
Morgan, J.W., Hertogen, J., and Anders, E., 1978, The moon: Composition determined by nebular processes: The Moon and the Planets, v. 18, no. 4, p. 465-478, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00897296.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The moon: Composition determined by nebular processes |
| Series title | The Moon and the Planets |
| DOI | 10.1007/BF00897296 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 1978 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher location | Kluwer Academic Publishers |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | The Moon and the Planets |
| First page | 465 |
| Last page | 478 |