differentiation
Quick Summary
Planetary differentiation is the process by which a planet separates into chemically distinct layers. This occurs as denser materials sink toward the center, while lighter materials rise to the surface. For Earth, this process began early in its formation, leading to the development of its core, mantle, and crust.1
This differentiation is driven by heat and gravity. Initially, the planet is hot and molten, allowing materials to move freely. As the planet cools, less dense liquids rise to form the crust, while denser materials settle deeper within. This chemical separation is fundamental to a planet's structure and evolution.1
The inner planets, like Earth, are rocky, while the outer planets are primarily composed of gases like hydrogen and helium. The ongoing processes of plate tectonics on Earth, for example, continue to shape its surface and internal structure, demonstrating that differentiation is a dynamic and ongoing process.213
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EarthPlanetary differentiationOnce hot, Earth’s interior could begin its chemical evolution. For example, outgassing of a fraction of volatile substances that had been trapped in small amounts within the accreting planet probably formed the earliest atmosphere. Outgassing of water to Earth’s surface began before 4.3 billion…
Read MoreOnce hot, Earth’s interior could begin its chemical evolution. For example, outgassing of a fraction of volatile substances that had been trapped in small amounts within the accreting planet probably formed the earliest atmosphere. Outgassing of water to Earth’s surface began before 4.3 billion…
Read More- geologic history of EarthThe pregeologic period
…is referred to as the differentiation of the Earth. The earliest thin crust was probably unstable and so foundered and collapsed to depth. This in turn generated more gravitational energy, which enabled a thicker, more stable, longer-lasting crust to form. Once Earth’s interior (or its mantle) was hot and liquid,…
Read More…is referred to as the differentiation of the Earth. The earliest thin crust was probably unstable and so foundered and collapsed to depth. This in turn generated more gravitational energy, which enabled a thicker, more stable, longer-lasting crust to form. Once Earth’s interior (or its mantle) was hot and liquid,…
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