Research
Earth's 'core carbon' may have come from the far reaches of the solar system
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- A new study suggests most of Earth's carbon originated in the outer solar system.
- The carbon reportedly arrived only during the late stages of planetary development.
- The claim is based on analysis of magma droplets called melt inclusions.
Why it matters
The finding bears on how Earth acquired its carbon, a key element for life and planetary chemistry, and on the origin of volatile materials in the inner solar system.
Who’s affected
- planetary scientists and geochemists
- astrobiology researchers
- #earth science
- #carbon
- #solar system origins
- #geochemistry
- #planetary formation
A new study suggests that most of Earth's carbon originated in the outer solar system and didn't arrive here until the late stages of planetary development. The study, led by researchers at Yale and Columbia, is based upon an analysis of magma droplets called "melt inclusions"…
Timeline
Space News reported the study led by researchers at Yale and Columbia
Space News - Space, Astronomy, Space Exploration
Earth's 'core carbon' may have come from the far reaches of the solar system