How Mercury formed its graphite crust and core
Using experimental petrology, the researchers are reconstructing in the laboratory the formation of Mercury's core, the crystallization of its magma ocean and the formation of its mantle.
Using experimental petrology, the researchers are reconstructing in the laboratory the formation of Mercury's core, the crystallization of its magma ocean and the formation of its mantle.
The short version
- The studies are published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Nature Communications and Advances in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry.
- This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies .
- During the early stages of evolution, the heat released caused these planets to melt, creating what is known as a magma ocean.
What happened
This key stage determines the distribution of elements between the metallic core and the mantle. As it crystallizes, this ocean structures the solid mantle, the partial melting of which will subsequently generate the magmas that form the crust.
Why it matters
It is also at this stage that an initial atmosphere may form.
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