Using Moderately Volatile Elements to Understand the Origin of the Earth-Moon System

Josh Wimpenny | 19-LW-027

Executive Summary

We will characterize the isotopic composition of zinc and gallium in lunar rocks to better constrain the distribution of volatile elements in the Moon and produce an estimate of the extent of volatile loss associated with the Moon-forming Giant Impact. This information is critical to dynamic models that simulate the Giant Impact and improve our understanding of how the current Earth-Moon system evolved.

Publications, Presentations, and Patents

Sio, C. K., et al. 2020. "Iron Isotope Compositions of Lunar Highland Rocks and Mare Basalts." Goldschmidt Conference Virtual 2020. LLNL-ABS-771027

Wimpenny, J. 2020. "Constraining the Behavior of Gallium Isotopes During Evaporation at Extreme Temperatures." Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 286: 54-71. doi: 10.1016. LLNL-JRNL-798685