How rapidly did Mars accrete? Uncertainties in the Hf–W timing of core formation

Estimates for the martian core formation timescale based on the hafnium–tungsten (Hf–W) isotopic system have varied by almost an order of magnitude, because of uncertainties in the martian mantle Hf/W ratio. Here we argue that the Hf/W ratio is ∼4 but is uncertain by ∼25%, resulting in (instantaneous) martian core formation timescales ranging from 0 to 10 Myr; accordingly, Hf–W isotope observations currently have limited utility in distinguishing between scenarios in which Mars formed as a stranded embryo and scenarios in which Mars suffered a prolonged accretion history. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.