Fractionation of noble gases by thermal escape from accreting planetesimals

Abstract

A model for the selective loss of noble gases by thermal escape of the gases from planetesimals as they grow to form the terrestrial planets has been developed. The initial elemental and isotopic abundance ratios are assumed to be solar. Competition between gravitational binding and escape determines the degree of fractionation that occurs. Two classes of planetesimals can be formed on a time scale consistent with modern models of accretion. One class is depleted in neon and, in some cases, partly in 36Ar. The other class is neon rich. Subject to the validity of some assumptions regarding loss of planetary atmospheres following collisions between very large embryo planets and a strong radial dependence in the rate of accumulation of neon-rich planetesimals, the mechanism can account for all known properties of the noble gas volatiles on the terrestrial planets except one. This is the 36Ar/38Ar ratios for Earth and Mars which are predicted to be much lower than observed. This failure is probably fatal for the hypothesis.