Abstract
THERMAL calculations on planetary models, together with cooling rate data from studies of Ni diffusion gradients in iron meteorites, have been used to establish constraints on the possible dimensions of meteorite parent bodies1–3. Previously these models assumed spherical chondritic bodies with uniform distribution of radioactive heat sources, although redistribution of heat sources upon melting has been considered. Core formation has usually been regarded as a subsequent metamorphic event. But recent studies suggest that iron was fractionated early in the planetary formation process and that the terrestrial planets were inhomogeneously accreted4. Therefore, considering the differences in thermal properties and distribution of radioactive heat sources that result from initial core formation followed by silicate accretion, we present here thermal calculations on a set of models of meteorite parent bodies in which initial formation of a Ni-Fe core is assumed.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
We are sorry, but there is no personal subscription option available for your country.
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Fish, R. A., Goles, G. G., and Anders, E., Astrophys. J., 132, 243 (1960).
Wood, J. A., Icarus, 3, 429 (1964).
Fricker, P. E., Goldstein, J. I., and Summers, A. L., Geochim. cosmochim. Acta, 34, 475 (1970).
Lewis, J. S., Earth planet. Sci. Lett., 15, 286 (1972).
MacDonald, G. J. F., J. geophys. Res., 64, 1967 (1959).
Burnett, D. S., and Wasserburg, G. J., Earth planet. Sci. Lett., 2, 397 (1967).
Arrhenius, G., and Alfven, H., Earth planet. Sci. Lett., 10, 253 (1971).
Goldstein, J. I., and Short, J. M., Geochim. cosmochim. Acta, 31, 1733 (1967).
Urey, H. C., Proc. Nam. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 41, 127 (1955).
Clarke, W. B., de Laeter, J. R., Schwarcz, H. P., and Shane, K. C., J. geophys. Res., 75, 488 (1970).
Schramm, D. N., Tera, F., and Wasserburg, G. J., Earth planet. Sci. Lett., 10, 44 (1970).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
HERNDON, J., ROWE, M. Thermal Models of Inhomogeneously Accreted Meteorite Parent Bodies. Nature Physical Science 244, 40–41 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/physci244040a0
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/physci244040a0