Isotopic Geochemistry of the Mantle and Solar System
This community investigates the chemical and isotopic composition of Earth's mantle and extraterrestrial bodies to determine the origin, evolution, and formation processes of planetary materials.
The work centers on isotope fractionation, noble gas analysis, and trace element systematics within silicate melts and sulfide deposits. Researchers examine the lithospheric and upper mantle, subduction zones, and mantle plumes, with significant focus on the Bushveld Complex and oceanic crust. Methods include mass spectrometry and the analysis of melt inclusions and oxygen fugacity. These studies constrain the sources of magmas and the history of volatile loss, providing a detailed record of deep Earth processes and the chemical heritage of asteroids and the Moon.
The community is most prominent in research tracked for Helium, where it represents 2.1% of all Helium research, and Platinum, where it accounts for 1.3% of all Platinum research. It also holds a 1.0% share of Sulfur research.
The community comprises 36,147 papers, published primarily in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, and Chemical Geology.
Recent work continues to analyze samples from asteroids Bennu and Ryugu, as well as lunar basalts from the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions, to refine models of early solar system chemistry and planetary impact history.