In the early Solar System, magma oceans were formed by the melting of planetesimals and planetary impacts.[1] Small planetesimals are melted by the heat provided by the radioactive decay of aluminium-26.[1] As planets grew larger, the energy was then supplied from giant impacts with other planetary bodies.[2] Magma oceans are integral parts of planetary formation as they facilitate the formation of a core through metal segregation[3] and an atmosphere and hydrosphere through degassing.[4] Evidence exists to support the existence of magma oceans on both the Earth and the Moon.[1][5] Magma oceans may survive for millions to tens of millions of years, interspersed by relatively mild conditions.
^Zahnle, Kevin; Arndt, Nick; Cockell, Charles; Halliday, Alex; Nisbet, Euan; Selsis, Franck; Sleep, Norman H. (2007). Fishbaugh, Kathryn E.; Lognonné, Philippe; Raulin, François; Marais, David J. Des; Korablev, Oleg (eds.). Emergence of a Habitable Planet. Space Sciences Series of ISSI. Springer New York. pp. 35–78. Bibcode:2007ghtp.book...35Z. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-74288-5_3. ISBN9780387742878.
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