Planetary scientists from the University of St. Andrews studied the isotopic composition of zinc in meteorites formed during
In his work, published in the journal Icarus,The authors studied the isotopic composition of zinc in carbon chondrites, the most common type of meteorites that formed in various parts of the solar system. The study showed significant differences in the varieties of atoms of the chemical elements of objects. At the same time, the composition of zinc isotopes on Earth is an intermediate option between meteorites formed inside and outside the Asteroid Belt.
The results of the study show that from 5 to6% of the Earth's mass is made up of materials formed in the outer region of the solar system - the part of our planetary system that contains the gas giants.
Scientists note that although only a small part ofthe total mass of the Earth came from the outer solar system, this material must be enriched in volatiles. For example, analysis of zinc isotopes shows that at least 30% of this volatile matter is foreign. Planetologists believe that for more volatile elements than zinc, the proportion will be even larger.
The question of the origin of volatile elements,present on Earth is fundamental to understanding the evolution of our planet. These elements are critical to the origin of life. The data from this study will help scientists understand how planets form and where to look for other habitable worlds.
Studies like ours provide newinsight into how and where planets accumulate the kinds of elements that are critical to sustaining life, but more broadly they give us more clues about how our early solar system behaved.
Paul Savage, Researcher at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of St. Andrews
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