Lunar Anorthosites and the Magma Ocean Concept

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Lunar Anorthosites and the Magma Ocean Concept
Lunar anorthosites are thought to have
crystallized in a global magma system to form the
primary lunar crust. Its crystallization can be
tracked by assessing the composition of the magma.
Anorthosite 62236
How? Measure concentrations of trace elements in
individual minerals.
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REE in Plagioclase
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Distribution Coefficient
CS is the concentration of an element in the
solid (mineral). CL is the concentration of an
element in the liquid (magma).

• Incompatible elements have D ltlt 1
• Compatible elements have D gtgt 1

Lunar Anorthosite Parent Magma
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REE in Parent Magmas