| Abstract: | New analyses and critical re-evaluation of older data permit another estimate of the abundances of some 42 elements in the silicate shells of the Earth, excluding the core.These data and estimations of volcanic rock production lead to a series of estimates of the mass-fractions of depleted and undepleted mantle. Most likely estimates of the latter lie in the range 0.2–0.4. The best estimates are obtained for the most incompatible elements K, Rb, Sr, Ba, Nb, Th, U.The development of the continental crust and the change in tectonic processes over time is consistent with these interpretations. |
