2005ApJ...619..538R

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) determination of the baryon-to-photon ratio implies, through big bang nucleosynthesis, a cosmological Li abundance larger, by a factor of 2-3, than the Li abundance plateau observed in the oldest Population II stars. It is, however, inescapable that there be a reduction by a factor of at least 1.6-2.0 of the surface Li abundance during the evolution of Population II field stars with [Fe/H]≤-1.5. That the observed Li should be lower than cosmologically produced Li is expected from stellar evolution models. Since at turnoff most of the Li abundance reduction is caused by gravitational settling, the presence of ⁶Li in some turnoff stars is also understood. Given that the WMAP implications for Li cosmological abundance and the Li Spite plateau can be naturally explained by gravitational settling in the presence of weak turbulence, there appears little need for exotic physics as suggested by some authors. Instead, there is a need for a better understanding of turbulent transport in the radiative zones of stars. This requires simulations from first principles. Rather strict upper limits to turbulent transport are determined for the Sun and Population II stars.