Strategy for Applying Neutrino Geophysics to the Earth Sciences Including Planetary Habitability |
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Authors: | Norman H Sleep |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA |
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Abstract: | Antineutrino data constrain the concentrations of the heat producing elements U and Th as well as potentially the concentration
of K. Interpretation is similar to but not homologous with gravity. Current geoneutrino physics efficiently asks simple questions
taking advantage of what is already known about the Earth. A few measurements with some sites in the ocean basins will constrain
the concentration of U and Th in the crust and mantle and whether the mantle is laterally heterogeneous. These results will
allow Earth science arguments about the formation, chemistry, and dynamics of the Earth to be turned around and appraised.
In particular, they will tell whether the Earth accreted its expected share of these elements from the solar nebula and how
long radioactive heat will sustain active geological processes on the Earth. Both aspects are essential to evaluating the
Earth as a common or rare habitable planet. |
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Keywords: | Bulk silicate earth neutrino planetary habitability potassium solar nebula thorium uranium |
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