Authors
Hidenori Terasaki, Daniel J Frost, David C Rubie, Falko Langenhorst
Publication date
2005/4/15
Journal
Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Volume
232
Issue
3-4
Pages
379-392
Publisher
Elsevier
Description
A crucial factor in the investigation of terrestrial planet core formation is whether or not a liquid iron-alloy can segregate from a solid silicate matrix. The interconnectivity of a core-forming liquid depends on the dihedral angle between liquid iron-alloy and crystalline silicates at low melt fractions. Recent experimental studies at ambient pressure have implied that liquid iron-alloy can wet an olivine matrix under conditions of high oxygen and sulphur fugacities. We have examined the effects of varying sulphur and oxygen contents on the dihedral angle between liquid iron-alloy and crystalline silicates up to 20 GPa. The compositions studied are applicable to core formation on both the Earth and Mars and the pressure range investigated is applicable to over 80% of the depth of the entire Martian mantle. Dihedral angles in texturally equilibrated samples decrease with increasing sulphur content and also decrease …
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