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Iron alloys of volatile elements in the deep Earth’s interior

Author

Listed:
  • Yifan Tian

    (Jilin University
    Jilin University)

  • Peiyu Zhang

    (Jilin University
    Jilin University)

  • Wei Zhang

    (Jilin University
    Jilin University)

  • Xiaolei Feng

    (Nanyang Technological University)

  • Simon A. T. Redfern

    (Nanyang Technological University
    Nanyang Technological University)

  • Hanyu Liu

    (Jilin University
    Jilin University
    Jilin University)

Abstract

Investigations into the compositional model of the Earth, particularly the atypical concentrations of volatile elements within the silicate portion of the early Earth, have attracted significant interest due to their pivotal role in elucidating the planet’s evolution and dynamics. To understand the behavior of such volatile elements, an established ‘volatility trend’ has been used to explain the observed depletion of certain volatile elements. However, elements such as Se and Br remain notably over-depleted in the silicate Earth. Here we show the results from first-principles simulations that explore the potential for these elements to integrate into hcp-Fe through the formation of substitutional alloys, long presumed to be predominant constituents of the Earth’s core. Based on our findings, the thermodynamic stability of these alloys suggests that these volatile elements might indeed be partially sequestered within the Earth’s core. We suggest potential reservoirs for volatile elements within the deep Earth, augmenting our understanding of the deep Earth’s composition.

Suggested Citation

  • Yifan Tian & Peiyu Zhang & Wei Zhang & Xiaolei Feng & Simon A. T. Redfern & Hanyu Liu, 2024. "Iron alloys of volatile elements in the deep Earth’s interior," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47663-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47663-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bernard J. Wood & Michael J. Walter & Jonathan Wade, 2006. "Accretion of the Earth and segregation of its core," Nature, Nature, vol. 441(7095), pages 825-833, June.
    2. Zaicong Wang & Harry Becker, 2013. "Ratios of S, Se and Te in the silicate Earth require a volatile-rich late veneer," Nature, Nature, vol. 499(7458), pages 328-331, July.
    3. Yu He & Shichuan Sun & Duck Young Kim & Bo Gyu Jang & Heping Li & Ho-kwang Mao, 2022. "Superionic iron alloys and their seismic velocities in Earth’s inner core," Nature, Nature, vol. 602(7896), pages 258-262, February.
    4. Bernard J. Wood & Alex N. Halliday, 2005. "Cooling of the Earth and core formation after the giant impact," Nature, Nature, vol. 437(7063), pages 1345-1348, October.
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