Metal-Silicate Partitioning of Siderophile Elements and Core Formation in the Early Earth*

Accretion models for the Earth and terrestrial planets are based on the distribution of siderophile (iron-loving) elements between metal and silicate. Extensive experimental studies of the partitioning of these elements between metallic liquid and silicate melt have led to a better understanding and a more sophisticated application to planetary problems. Siderophile element metal/silicate partition coefficients are a function of temperature, pressure, oxygen fugacity, and metal and silicate composition. Quantification of these effects for a limited subset of siderophile elements has led to the idea that early Earth had a 700-km or deeper magma ocean. This new understanding of siderophile element partitioning has also led to applications to the kinetics of metal-silicate equilibrium, links to the timing of core formation, and a better understanding of core formation and metal-silicate equilibrium in the Moon and Mars. Key issues for future consideration include the role of water in early Earth, consideration of the core as a reservoir for noble gases and/or traditionally lithophile elements, siderophile element concentrations in the deep mantle, oxygen fugacity at high pressures, and further evaluation of the need for a late accretional veneer. The strongest approach to improving accretion models for the terrestrial planets is one that combines geochemistry, geophysics, and planetary dynamics.