X-Wind Model
Channel: Dominik Hezel
Date: 2023-04-12

The X-wind is a theoretical, astrophysical model for dynamic processes in the early Solar System. The most interesting part for meteoriticists is the ›X-region‹ where magnetic fields have a cross-over. The X-region is close to the Sun (~0.06 AU), very hot, and has the potential to melt material for short time intervals. Further, material processed through the X-region is subsequently transported by winds above the protoplanetary disk (accretion disk) to distances a couple of AU away from the Sun, where it rains back down on the protoplanetary disk. It has therefore been proposed that chondrule precursor material might have been processed through the X-region and transformed into chondrules and then transported to the asteroid accretion regions further out. There, the chondrules mixed with fine-grained material, which forms the matrix of chondrites. Therefore, the X-wind model is a 2-component model and in conflict with considerations that chondrules and matrix formed in the same region, as interpreted from chondrule-matrix complementary relationships.