Chemical segregation in protoplanetary theories.
Abstract
The evolution of Jupiter-like protoplanets into terrestrial planets, Uranus/Neptune, and Jupiter/Saturn is considered. Differences in the chemical composition of these three groups of planets are explained by the aggregation of different materials at the center of the protoplanet followed by loss of some of the outlying material. Temperature differences are held to be responsible for the differences in both aggregated and lost materials. The mechanism involves the formation of large grains which fall, as a result of gravity, into the central regions of the protoplanet. Only iron-silicate could condense in the terrestrial protoplanets but in the outer regions ammonia and methane probably condensed also.
- Publication:
-
Origin of the Solar System
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978orss.book..517W
- Keywords:
-
- Chemical Fractionation;
- Planetary Composition;
- Planetary Evolution;
- Abundance;
- Gas Giant Planets;
- Gravitational Effects;
- Planetary Atmospheres;
- Planetary Cores;
- Terrestrial Planets;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration;
- Chemical Composition:Planets