Using trace element ratios with a common reference to a refractory element,
we have shown that carbonaceous chondrites define a straight line in every
diagram including the semi-volatile and volatile elements with the relativ
e position of CI, CM, CO and CV always following the same order. We show th
at bulk Earth values estimated only by terrestrial consideration, using Mg/
Al for the refractories or K/U, Rb/Sr for the volatiles, plot on the carbon
aceous chondrite line but not within the group of ordinary chondrites. The
position on the carbonaceous chondrite line varies according to volatility.
Highly refractory elements are close to CI, moderate refractories close to
CM and volatiles away from CV. Such systematics permit the calculation of
the bulk composition of the Earth for every element. Those observations are
in agreement with a condensation temperature of the Earth ranging from 11
to 1200 degreesK. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.