Reduction of mare basalts by sulfur loss
Metallic Fe content and S abundance are inversely correlated in mare basalts. Either S volatilization from the melt results in reduction of Fe2+ to Fe0 or else high S content decreases Fe0 activity in the melt, thus explaining the correlation. All considerations favor the model that metallic iron in mare basalts is due to sulfur loss. The Apollo 11 and 17 mare basalt melts were probably saturated with S at the time of eruption; the Apollo 12 and 15 basalts were probably not saturated.
Non-mare rocks show a positive correlation of S abundance with metallic Fe content; it is proposed that this is due to the addition of meteoritic material having a fairly constant Fe0/S ratio. If true, metallic Fe content or S abundance in non-mare rocks provides a measure of degree of meteoritic contamination.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1976 |
---|---|
Title | Reduction of mare basalts by sulfur loss |
DOI | 10.1016/0016-7037(76)90042-9 |
Authors | R. Brett |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta |
Index ID | 70010231 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |