Access

Brief Communications Arising

Nature 444, E1-E2 (2 November 2006) | doi:10.1038/nature05359; Published online 1 November 2006

Geochemistry: How well can Pb isotopes date core formation?

Balz S. Kamber1 & Jan D. Kramers2

Top

Arising from: B. J. Wood & A. N. Halliday Nature 437, 1345–1348 (2005); Wood & Halliday reply

Timescale and the physics of planetary core formation are essential constraints for models of Earth's accretion and early differentiation. Wood and Halliday1 use the apparent mismatch in core-formation dates determined from tungsten (W) and lead (Pb) chrono-meters to argue for a two-stage core formation, involving an early phase of metal segregation followed by a protracted episode of sulphide melt addition. However, we show here that crust–;mantle Pb isotope systematics do not require diachronous core formation. Our observations indicate that very early (less than or equal to 35 Myr) core formation and planet accretion remain the most plausible scenario.

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Light from tungsten on core construction

Nature News and Views (28 Dec 1995)