It's elemental: Accurate analysis of Earth's core with molecular dynamics simulation
(Phys.org)—Accurately determining the relative percentages of the elements comprising the Earth's core and mantle which formed early – that is, within 30 Ma (megaannum, or million years) after the solar system itself formed – are extremely difficult for a range of reason, not the least of which is that direct measurement-is impossible. In particular, elements lighter than iron are of great interest due to their potential role in the Earth's so-called core density deficit. Moreover, carbon, among the light element candidates, also affects how siderophile and chalcophile (literally, iron-loving and sulfur-loving, respectively) elements partition between metal and silicate – which in turn has an impact on how these elements are distributed in the core and mantle. Previously, core carbon estimates varied by a factor as high as 20, resulting not only from assumptions and methodology, but also, significantly, because the carbon metal–silicate partition coefficient unknown. Recently, however, scientists at the...