Authors: P. Bochsler
Reference: Rev. of Geophys. 38(2): 247-266, 2000
Abstract:
The Sun is the only star from which matter can be collected in order to
investigate its elemental and isotopic composition. Solar elemental
abundances provide the most important benchmark for the chemical
evolution of the galaxy. They can be derived from photospheric
observations, from in situ investigations of the solar wind, and from
energetic particles. Solar isotopic abundances provide an important
reference for the galactic evolution and if available with sufficient
precision, also for the chemical and physical evolution of the solar
system. The abundances of isotopes in the solar atmosphere can only be
inferred from the in situ observations of solar particles. This review
makes an attempt to summarize current knowledge about the composition
of the solar wind and shows how the elemental, isotopic, and charge
state composition of solar wind particles is shaped as the solar corona
expands throughout the heliosphere.