Deep-sea spherules from Pacific clay: Mass distribution and influx rate
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
By: M.T. Murrell, P.A. Davis Jr., K. Nishiizumi, and Hugh T. Millard Jr.
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
From 411 kg of Pacific clay, 22 mg of stony spherules and 50 mg of iron spherules larger than 150 μm were concentrated. The extraterrestrial origin of these particles was evaluated with the aid of both optical and electron microscopy as well as atomic absorption elemental analysis. The integral number (N) of stony particles from this sediment in the mass (M) range 20–300 μg is given by N( >M(g)) = 5.13 × 10−6 × M−1.65. The world-wide influx rate of stony particles in the mass range which survive atmospheric heating and ocean sediment storage is calculated to be 90 tons/yr. The relative contributions of ablation debris vs fused interplanetary dust to the influx of stony spherules is discussed, but as yet the question remains unanswered.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Deep-sea spherules from Pacific clay: Mass distribution and influx rate |
| Series title | Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta |
| DOI | 10.1016/0016-7037(80)90204-5 |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Year Published | 1980 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Description | 8 p. |
| First page | 2067 |
| Last page | 2074 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |