bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pyroxene pallasites, Vermillion and Yamato 8451: Not quite a couple
Authors: BOESENBERG Joseph S. , DAVIS Andrew M. , PRINZ Martin , WEISBERG Michael K. , CLAYTON Robert N. , MAYEDA Toshiko K.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Two pallasites, Vermillion and Yamato (Y)‐8451, have been studied to obtain petrologic, trace element, and O‐isotopic data. Both meteorites contain low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxenes (<2% by volume) and have been dubbed “pyroxene pallasites.” Pyroxene occurs as large individual grains, as inclusions in olivine and in other pyroxene, and as grains along the edges of olivine. Symplectic overgrowths, sometimes found in Main Group and Eagle Station pallasites, are not seen in the pyroxene pallasites. Olivine compositions are Fa10–12, similar to those of Main Group pallasites. Siderophile trace element data show that metal in the two meteorites have significantly differing compositions that are, for many elements, outside the range of the Main Group and Eagle Station pallasites. These compositions also differ from those of IAB and IIIAB iron meteorites. Rare earth element (REE) patterns in merrillite are similar to those seen in other pallasites, indicating formation by subsolidus reaction between metal and silicate, with the merrillite inheriting its pattern from the surrounding silicates. The O‐isotopic compositions of Vermillion and Y‐8451 are similar but differ from Main Group or Eagle Station pallasites, as well as other achondrite and primitive achondrite groups. Although Vermillion and Y‐8451 have similar mineralogy, pyroxene compositions, REE patterns, and O‐isotopic compositions, there is sufficient evidence to resist formally grouping these two meteorites. This evidence includes the texture of Vermillion, siderophile trace element data, and the presence of cohenite in Vermillion.
Metamorphic diogenite Grosvenor Mountains 95555: Mineral chemistry of orthopyroxene and spinel and comparisons to the diogenite suite
Authors: PAPIKE J. J. , SHEARER C. K. , SPILDE M. N. , KARNER J. M.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Grosvenor Mountains (GRO) 95555 is a relatively newly discovered and unique metamorphic diogenite. It does not show the usual brecciated appearance of other diogenites or wide compositional variability of orthopyroxene or spinel. Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) analysis of orthopyroxene and EMPA of spinel show limited compositional variability. Compositions for orthopyroxene for Fe/(Fe + Mg) atomic, Al, Zr, Y, and Yb fall in the middle of the compositional ranges of the diogenite suite. Apparently, GRO 95555 formed at sufficient depth or location to escape brecciation by meteorite bombardment and in a thermal regime that led to high‐grade metamorphism resulting in homogeneous mineral compositions.
Mineralogy of the sources for magnetic anomalies on Mars
Authors: KLETETSCHKA GUNTHER , WASILEWSKI Peter J. , TAYLOR Patrick T.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Recent discovery of intense magnetic anomalies on Mars, which are due to remanent magnetization, requires some explanation for the possible minerals responsible for the anomalous signature. Thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) in single domain (SD) and multidomain (MD) sized magnetite, hematite, and pyrrhotite, all potential minerals, are considered. The intensity of TRM (in 0.05 mT) is in descending order: SD‐sized magnetite, SD‐sized pyrrhotite, MD‐sized hematite, MD‐sized pyrrhotite, MD‐sized magnetite, SD‐sized hematite. The TRM intensity is <4% of the saturation isothermal remanence (SIRM) for all but the MD hematite, which may have >50% of the SIRM. Each of these minerals and estimated concentrations of magnetic remanence carriers (assumed to be titanomagnetite) in the Shergotty‐Nakhla‐Chassigny martian meteorites are used in a thin sheet approximation model to reveal the concentration of each mineral required for the generation of an observed magnetic anomaly (1500 nT at 100 km altitude) assuming TRM acquisition in a 0.05 mT magnetic field.
Symplectic exsolution in olivine from the Nakhla martian meteorite
Authors: MIKOUCHI Takashi , YAMADA Ikiko , MIYAMOTO Masamichi
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The Nakhla meteorite, commonly accepted to have originated from Mars, is a cumulus clinopyroxenite with ∼10 vol% of Fe‐rich olivine. Almost all olivine grains in Nakhla contain dark lamellar inclusions (less than 2–3 μm wide). High‐resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the inclusions are complex intergrowths of augite and magnetite. Such a symplectic intergrowth of augite and magnetite in olivine was known in some terrestrial rocks, lunar rocks, and a few meteorites. The inclusion in Nakhla olivine is the first symplectite found in a martian rock. Apparently, the presence of Fe3+ in olivine under an oxidizing condition on Mars caused symplectic exsolution at high temperature (>900 °C) during cooling.
The differentiation of eucrites: The role of in situ crystallization
Authors: BARRAT J. A. , BLICHERT‐TOFT J. , GILLET PH. , KELLER F.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We report on major and trace element analyses of 17 eucrites, including three cumulate eucrites (Binda, Moore County, and Serra de Magé), determined by, respectively, inductively‐coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results obtained for Binda and Moore County are consistent with the model of Treiman (1997) for the formation of cumulate eucrites, which holds that these meteorites were produced from a eucritic melt. Our sample of Serra de Magé contains unusually large amounts of pyroxene and probably an accessory phase rich in heavy rare earth elements and is therefore not representative of this eucrite as known from literature data.

Our results for the noncumulate eucrites Bereba, Bouvante, Cachari, Caldera, Camel Donga, Ibitira, Jonzac, Juvinas, Lakangaon, Millbillillie, Padvarninkai, Pasamonte, Sioux County, and Stannern are in good agreement with literature data. The observed decoupling between major and trace elements for noncumulate eucrites can be explained by in situ crystallization during the differentiation of an asteroidal magma ocean. This model can further account for both the Nuevo Laredo and the Stannern trends but has as a consequence that none of the analyzed eucrites represents a primary melt.
Radial transpression ridges: A new structural feature of complex impact craters
Authors: KENKMANN Thomas , von DALWIGK Ilka
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The gravity‐driven collapse of complex impact craters induces the mass transfer of large rock volumes. In distal parts of a crater, inward movements dominate; whereas in the centre of an impact structure, outward movements occur if the central uplift collapses. The particle trajectory field is centro‐symmetric, which signifies that the conditions for plane‐strain deformation are not fullfilled. Converging particle trajectories can be compensated either by a bulk thickening of inward sliding masses (folding, repetition of rock units along thrust faults, plastic flow) or by the formation of localised radial transpression ridges (RTR) at the edges of individual landslides. In these transpression ridges, material is uplifted to accommodate the converging mass flow. Different modes of uplift are possible including radial folding, lateral overthrusting, and the formation of positive flower structures. A simple geometric model is used to estimate the amount of transpression thickening and bulk thickening of inward sliding masses on the base of volumetric considerations. The existence of RTRs is confirmed by structural investigations at the Siljan impact structure, Sweden, as well as at other complex impact craters on Earth.
Oxygen isotopes in magnetite and fayalite in CV chondrites Kaba and Mokoia
Authors: CHOI Byeon‐Gak , KROT Alexander N. , WASSON John T.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We report in situ measurements of O‐isotopic compositions of magnetite and primary and secondary olivine in the highly unequilibrated oxidized CV chondrites Kaba and Mokoia. In both meteorites, the magnetite and the secondary olivine (fayalite, Fa90–100) have O‐isotopic compositions near the terrestrial fractionation (TF) line; the mean Δ17O (= δ17O‐0.52 × δ18O) value is about −1%‰. In contrast, the compositions of nearby primary (chondrule), low‐FeO olivines (Fa1–2) are well below the TF line; Δ17O values range from −3 to −9%‰. Krot et al. (1998) summarized evidence indicating that the secondary phases in these chondrites formed by aqueous alteration in an asteroidal setting. The compositions of magnetite and fayalite in Kaba and Mokoia imply that the O‐isotopic composition of the oxidant was near or somewhat above the TF line. In Mokoia the fayalite and magnetite differ in δ18O by ∼20%‰, whereas these same materials in Kaba have virtually identical compositions. The difference between Mokoia magnetite and fayalite may indicate formation in isotopic equilibrium in a water‐rich environment at low temperatures, ∼300 K. In contrast, the similar compositions of these phases in Kaba may indicate formation of the fayalite by replacement of preexisting magnetite in dry environment, with the O coming entirely from the precursor magnetite and silica. The Δ17O of the oxidant incorporated into the CV parent body (as phyllosilicates or H2O) appears to have been much (7–8%‰) lower than that in that incorporated into the LL parent body (Choi et al, 1998), which suggests that the O‐isotopic composition of the nebular gas was spatially or temporally variable.
Source regions and timescales for the delivery of water to the Earth
Authors: Morbidelli A. , Chambers J. , Lunine J. I. , Petit J. M. , Robert F. , Valsecchi G. B. , Cyr K. E.
Published: February 2010

Abstract—In the primordial solar system, the most plausible sources of the water accreted by the Earth were in the outer asteroid belt, in the giant planet regions, and in the Kuiper Belt. We investigate the implications on the origin of Earth's water of dynamical models of primordial evolution of solar system bodies and check them with respect to chemical constraints. We find that it is plausible that the Earth accreted water all along its formation, from the early phases when the solar nebula was still present to the late stages of gas‐free sweepup of scattered planetesimals. Asteroids and the comets from the Jupiter‐Saturn region were the first water deliverers, when the Earth was less than half its present mass. The bulk of the water presently on Earth was carried by a few planetary embryos, originally formed in the outer asteroid belt and accreted by the Earth at the final stage of its formation. Finally, a late veneer, accounting for at most 10% of the present water mass, occurred due to comets from the Uranus‐Neptune region and from the Kuiper Belt. The net result of accretion from these several reservoirs is that the water on Earth had essentially the D/H ratio typical of the water condensed in the outer asteroid belt. This is in agreement with the observation that the D/H ratio in the oceans is very close to the mean value of the D/H ratio of the water inclusions in carbonaceous chondrites.
Cosmogenic neon in mineral separates from Kapoeta: No evidence for an irradiation of its parent body regolith by an early active Sun
Authors: Wieler Rainer , Pedroni Anselmo , Leya Ingo
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We present Ne data from plagioclase separates from the solar noble‐gas‐rich meteorite Kapoeta, obtained mainly by in vacuo etching. samples rich in solar gases contain an excess of cosmogenic ne compared to solar‐gas‐poor samples, testifying to an exposure to cosmic rays in the parent body regolith. The 21Ne/22Ne ratio of the excess component is slightly lower than that of the Ne acquired during the meteoroid flight. Model calculations indicate that the observed isotopic composition of the excess Ne can be produced by galactic cosmic rays at a reasonable mean shielding of around a hundred to a few hundred grams per square centimeter. No substantial contribution from Ne produced by solar cosmic rays is needed to explain the data. We therefore conclude that they do not offer evidence for a substantially enhanced flux of solar energetic particles early in solar history, contrary to other claims. This conclusion is in agreement with solar flare track data.
The production of cosmogenic nuclides in stony meteoroids by galactic cosmic‐ray particles
Authors: Leya Ingo , Lange Hans‐Jürgen , Neumann Sonja , Wieler Rainer , Michel Rolf
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We present a purely physical model for the calculation of depth‐ and size‐dependent production rates of cosmogenic nuclides by galactic cosmic‐ray (GCR) particles. besides the spectra of primary and secondary particles and the excitation functions of the underlying nuclear reactions, the model is based on only one free parameter—the integral number of gcr particles in the meteoroid orbits. We derived this value from analysis of radionuclide data in Knyahinya. We also show that the mean GCR proton spectrum in the meteoroid orbits has been constant over about the last 10 Ma. For the major target elements in stony meteoroids, we present depth‐ and size‐dependent production rates for 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 36Cl, and 53Mn as well as for the rare gas isotopes 3He, 20Ne, 21Ne, 22Ne, 36Ar, and 38Ar. The new data differ from semi‐empirical estimates by up to a factor of 4 but agree within ∼20% with results obtained by earlier parametric or physical approaches. The depth and size dependence of the shielding parameter 22Ne/21Ne and the correlations 26Al vs. 10Be, 26Al vs. 53Mn, 10Be/21Ne vs. 22Ne/21Ne, and 36Ar vs. 36Cl for deciphering preatmospheric sizes, shielding depths, terrestrial residence times, and exposure histories are also discussed.
On the transport of bodies within and from the asteroid belt
Authors: Franklin Fred , Lecar Myron
Published: February 2010

Abstract— This paper explores two processes, sweeping secular resonance (Ward, 1981) and gas drag (Lecar and Franklin, 1997), at work during the dispersal of the solar nebula. we have two aims not previously considered for the two mechanisms: (1) to explain the likely depletion, by a factor of 1000 or so, of the rocky material in the inner belt (2.0 < a < 3.2 AU); (2) to introduce a means for providing—or contributing to—the dispersion in semimajor axis of the various asteroidal taxonomic classes. We suggest that large asteroids with birthplaces separated by an astronomical unit or more can be finally deposited, owing to drag, at the same semimajor axis. For example, we find that bodies with radii up to 100 km can be transferred by gas drag from the outer belt (a > 3.3 AU) well into the inner one, and that an object already in the inner belt as large or even larger than Vesta (r = 250 km)—thought to be the parent body of many meteorites—can be inwardly displaced by as much as an astronomical unit if the nebula dispersal times lie close to 105 years. For such times, a large fraction of the inner belt's primordial mass can be ejected, with most of it passing into the inner solar system.
The meteorite collection of Museu Nacional‐Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Zucolotto M. e. , Andrade W. a. , Klein V. c.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The catalogue for the meteorite collection of Museu Nacional‐Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is presented. The collection contains 45 iron meteorites, 45 chondrites, 9 achondrites, and 5 stony‐iron meteorites. It houses 39 of the 50 Brazilian meteorites so far reported. The collection also includes some tektites, fulgurites, natural glasses, and some mislabeled meteorites not reported here.
Infrared, ultraviolet, and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements on presolar diamonds: Implications for optical features and origin
Authors: BRAATZ A. , OTT U. , HENNING Th. , JÄGER C. , JESCHKE G.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra were obtained for diamonds from the Allende and Murchison meteorites. In addition, and for the first time, electron paramagnetic resonance spectra were measured. The IR and UV data confirm the suspicion of Russell et al. (1996) that N in presolar diamonds predominantly appears in the form of dispersed N atoms, as is the case for terrestrial type Ib diamonds.

In accordance with other observations, our electron paramagnetic resonance measurements suggest a high H content in presolar diamonds. The presolar diamonds most likely originated in a H‐rich region, an environment in which nanometer‐sized diamonds may be more stable than graphite (Badziag et al., 1990). This adds to the evidence—previously based mainly on the twin microstructures of presolar diamonds (Daulton et al., 1996) and the absence of graphite with the same isotopic composition as presolar diamonds (Anders and Zinner, 1993)—for a homogeneous nucleation of presolar diamonds from a gas phase.

Based on our results for detection of diamonds in space, we suggest searching for the N‐induced IR and UV absorption features of type Ib diamonds. Other characteristic diamond features that could also be used to detect diamonds in space are the (‐CHn) IR absorption features due to H‐coated diamonds, as they are described by Allamandola et al. (1993) and the IR multiphonon absorption features of the diamond lattice. The multiphonon features are very weak (Edwards, 1985), but their intensity increases somewhat with increasing temperature (Collins and Fan, 1954), so perhaps a search for them is not totally hopeless.
Light rare earth element enrichments in ureilites: A detailed ion microprobe study
Authors: GUAN Yunbin , CROZAZ Ghislaine
Published: February 2010

Abstract— This paper explores the possible origin of the light rare earth element (LREE) enrichments observed in some ureilites, a question that has both petrogenetic and chronologic implications for this group of achondritic meteorites. Rare earth element and other selected elemental abundances were measured in situ in 14 thin sections representing 11 different ureilites. The spatial microdistributions of REEs in C‐rich matrix areas of the three ureilites with the most striking V‐shaped whole‐rock REE patterns (Kenna, Goalpara, and Novo Urei) were investigated using the ion imaging capability of the ion microprobe.

All olivines and clinopyroxenes measured have LREE‐depleted patterns with little variation in REE abundances, despite large differences in their major element compositions from ureilite to ureilite. Furthermore, we searched for but did not find any minor mineral phases that carry LREEs. The only exception is one Ti‐rich area (∼20μm) in Lewis Cliff (LEW) 85400 with a major element composition similar to that of titanite; REE abundances in this area are high, ranging from La ≅ 400 × CI to Lu ≅ 40 × CI. In contrast, all ion microprobe analyses of C‐rich matrix in Kenna, Goalpara, and Novo Urei revealed large LREE enrichments. In addition, C‐rich matrix areas in the three polymict ureilites, Elephant Moraine (EET) 83309, EET 87720, and North Haig, which have less pronounced V‐shaped whole‐rock REE patterns, show smaller but distinct LREE‐enrichments. The C‐rich matrix in Antarctic ureilites tends to have much lower LREE concentrations than the matrix in non‐Antarctic ureilites. There is no obvious association of the LREEs with other major or minor elements in the C‐rich areas. Ion images further show that the LREE enrichments are homogeneously distributed on a microscale in most C‐rich matrix areas of Kenna, Goalpara, and Novo Urei. These observations suggest that the LREEs in ureilites most probably are absorbed on the surface of fine‐grained amorphous graphite in the C‐rich matrix. It is unlikely that the LREE enrichments are due to shock melts or are the products of metasomatism on the ureilite parent body. We favor LREE introduction by terrestrial contamination.
Noble gas record, collisional history, and pairing of CV, CO, CK, and other carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: SCHERER P. , SCHULTZ L.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Concentration and isotopic composition of the light noble gases as well as of 84Kr, 129Xe, and 132Xe have been measured in bulk samples of 60 carbonaceous chondrites; 45 were measured for the first time. Solar noble gases were found in nine specimens (Arch, Acfer 094, Dar al Gani 056, Graves Nunataks 95229, Grosnaja, Isna, Mt. Prestrud 95404, Yamato (Y) 86009, and Y 86751). These meteorites are thus regolith breccias. The CV and CO chondrites contain abundant planetary‐type noble gases, but not CK chondrites. Characteristic features of CK chondrites are high 129Xe/132Xe ratios. The petrologic type of carbonaceous chondrites is correlated with the concentration of trapped heavy noble gases, similar to observations shown for ordinary chondrites. However, this correlation is disturbed for several meteorites due to a contribution of atmospheric noble gases, an effect correlated to terrestrial weathering effects.

Cosmic‐ray exposure ages are calculated from cosmogenic 21Ne. They range from about 1 to 63.5 Ma for CO, CV, and CK classes, which is longer than exposure ages reported for CM and CI chondrites. Only the CO3 chondrite Isna has an exceptionally low exposure age of 0.15 Ma. No dominant clusters are observed in the cosmic‐ray exposure age distribution; only for CV and CK chondrites do potential peaks seem to develop at ∼9 and ∼29 Ma. Several pairings among the chondrites from hot deserts are suggested, but 52 of the 60 investigated meteorites are individual falls.

In general, we confirm the results of Mazor et al. (1970) regarding cosmic‐ray exposure and trapped heavy noble gases. With this study, a considerable number of new carbonaceous chondrites were added to the noble gas data base, but this is still not sufficient to obtain a clear picture of the collisional history of the carbonaceous chondrite groups. Obviously, the exposure histories of CI and CM chondrites differ from those of CV, CO, and CK chondrites that have much longer exposure ages. The close relationship among the latter three is also evident from the similar cosmic‐ray exposure age patterns that do not reveal a clear picture of major breakup events. The CK chondrites, however, with their wide range of petrologic types, form the only carbonaceous chondrite group which so far lacks a solar‐gas‐bearing regolith breccia. The CK chondrites contain only minute amounts of trapped noble gases and their noble gas fingerprint is thus distinguishable from the other groups. In the future, more analyses of newly collected CK chondrites are needed to unravel the genetic and historic evolution of this group. It is also evident that the problems of weathering and pairing have to be considered when noble gas data of carbonaceous chondrite are interpreted.
The Alatage meteorite, China
Authors: BARTOSCHEWITZ R. , SPETTEL B.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Metallographical and chemical data are presented for the Alatage iron meteorite from northwest China. The meteorite is classified as medium octahedrite of group IIIA with moderate shock history.
Willow Grove: A unique nickel‐rich ataxite from Victoria, Australia
Authors: BIRCH William D. , SAMUELS Leonard E. , WASSON John T.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The Willow Grove meteorite is a new ungrouped iron meteorite from Victoria, Australia, with an extremely high Ni content (28%). It has a lath martensite structure, in contrast to the plate martensite shown by Tishomingo, a compositionally similar ungrouped iron meteorite with a slightly higher Ni content (32%). Despite the meteorite's unique texture, it has not been possible to estimate the rate at which the meteorite cooled, either before or after the transformation to martensite. Willow Grove also shows a pervasive network of microcracks most likely caused by terrestrial stress corrosion. Like Tishomingo, Willow Grove is depleted in volatiles. It is suggested that the volatiles were lost during asteroid processing, the high temperature possibly produced by an impact event.
Oral histories in meteoritics and planetary science: IV. James R. Arnold
Authors: MARVIN Ursula B.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— James Arnold, a nuclear chemist, reports in this interview, taped during the Meteoritical Society meeting in Chicago in 2000, that he became interested in meteorites when one of his graduate students chose to search for the cosmogenic isotope, 53Mn, in an iron meteorite. This project led to analyses of what became the standard four cosmogenic isotopes (53Mn, 36C1, 26A1, and 10Be) in meteorites and to the first determinations of their terrestrial ages. These in turn paved the way for analyses of a broad set of short‐ and long‐lived isotopes in lunar samples returned by the Apollo astronauts, providing insight into lunar surface processes and the history of cosmic radiation. Arnold also mounted gamma‐ray spectrometers on the command modules of the Apollo 15 and 16 missions and obtained chemical maps of the surface materials in mare and highlands regions. In 1958 Arnold began his research and teaching at the University of California at San Diego where from 1983 to his retirement in 1993 he served as the Harold C. Urey Professor of Chemistry. In 1976, the Meteoritical Society honored James Arnold with its Leonard Medal.
The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 85, 2001 September
Authors: GROSSMAN Jeffrey N. , ZIPFEL Jutta
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Meteoritical Bulletin No. 85 lists information for 1376 newly classified meteorites, comprising 658 from Antarctica, 409 from Africa, 265 from Asia (262 of which are from Oman), 31 from North America, 7 from South America, 3 from Australia, and 3 from Europe. Information is provided for 11 falls (Dergaon, Dunbogan, Gujba, Independence, Itqiy, Morávka, Oued el Hadjar, Sayama, Sologne, Valera, and Worden). Noteworthy non‐Antarctic specimens include 5 martian meteorites (Dar al Gani 876, Northwest Africa 480 and 817, and Sayh al Uhaymir 051 and 094); 6 lunar meteorites (Dhofar 081, 280, and 287, and Northwest Africa 479, 482, and 773); an ungrouped enstatite‐rich meteorite (Itqiy); a Bencubbin‐like meteorite (Gujba); 9 iron meteorites; and a wide variety of other interesting stony meteorites, including CH, CK, CM, CO, CR, CV, R, enstatite, and unequilibrated ordinary chondrites, primitive achondrites, HED achondrites, and ureilites.
Bulk chemistry of Saharan shergottite Dar al Gani 476
Authors: BARRAT J. A. , BLICHERT‐TOFT J. , NESBITT R. W. , KELLER F.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We report on major and trace element analyses obtained by, respectively, inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) of three different aliquots of the new Saharan shergottite Dar al Gani (DaG) 476. The new analyses are in excellent agreement with previous data (Zipfel et al., 2000). Ba, Sr and U abundances, together with the presence of carbonate, suggest that the sample has been significantly weathered. Three rare earth element (REE) patterns (normalized to CI) determined on three different aliquots of the sample all show similar shapes. The heavy REEs are flat with a slight depletion at the heavy end and a strong depletion from Dy to Pr. All of the patterns display an upturn to La which we interpret as being caused by the introduction of a terrestrial component. Taking the terrestrial contamination into account, this study demonstrates that DaG 476 is one of the most depleted of the shergottites, and, just like Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94201 (Dreibus et al., 1996), displays very low Zr/Hf ratios. It appears that the Zr/Hf ratios of shergottites are not uniform, and have been significantly fractionated by martian mantle processes.
Presence of an iron‐rich nanophase material in the upper layer of the Cretaceous‐Tertiary boundary clay
Authors: WDOWIAK Thomas J. , ARMENDAREZ Lawrence P. , AGRESTI David G. , WADE Manson L. , WDOWIAK Suzanne Y. , CLAEYS Philippe , IZETT Glenn
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We report new geochemical evidence from ten Cretaceous‐Tertiary (K‐T) boundary sites in North America and Europe, indicating the presence of a material remnant of a large asteroid or comet that struck the Earth at 65.0 Ma. Mössbauer spectroscopic data reveals that a ubiquitous iron‐rich nanophase material exists at the uppermost part of the K‐T boundary layer in the Western Hemisphere and in Europe in marine and continental fine‐grained sedimentary rock. The high surface‐to‐volume ratio of nanophase material suggests that it may be the carrier of the iridium abundance enhancement that marks the K‐T boundary. Even more provocative is the possibility that the discovered nanophase material is, for the most part, composed of the vaporized impactor after the impact‐generated high‐temperature vapor plume rose and cooled above the atmosphere.
Boron in chondrules
Authors: Hoppe P. , Goswami J. N. , Krähenbühl U. , Marti K.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Isotopic compositions and abundances of boron were measured in sixteen chondrules from seven chondrites by ion microprobe mass spectrometry. The chondrules are of the porphyritic, barred, and radial type and host meteorites include carbonaceous, ordinary, and enstatite chondrites. Boron abundances are generally low with average boron concentrations of between 80 and 500 ppb. These abundances are lower than those of bulk chondrites (0.35 to 1.2 ppm; Zhai et al., 1996), confirming earlier suggestions that boron is mostly contained in the matrix. No significant variation in the 11B/10B ratio is observed among these chondrules, outside our experimental error limits of several permil, and B‐isotopic compositions agree with those reported for bulk chondrites. The lack of a significant isotope fractionation between chondrules and matrix implies that the low boron abundances are not the result of a Rayleigh fractionation during chondrule formation. Isotopic heterogeneities within individual chondrules are constrained to be < ±20%0 at > 95% confidence level at a spatial scale of 20–30 μm, significantly lower than the value of about ±40%0 previously reported for chondrules from carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites (Chaussidon and Robert, 1995, 1998). The observed B‐isotopic homogeneity does not conflict with the presence of decay products from extinct 10Be, with (10Be/9Be)0 ≅ 10−3, as was inferred for calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions. Extinct 10Be in chondrules would shift the abundance ratio 11B/10B at best by several permil because of their commonly observed low Be/B ratios (<2). The results show that potential B‐isotopic heterogeneities in the solar nebula due to the presence of components with different B‐isotopic signatures, such as boron produced by high‐energy galactic cosmic rays (11B/10B ≅ 2.5), or by the hypothetical low‐energy particle irradiation (11B/10B ≅ 3.5–11) or boron from type II supernovae (11B/10B >> 1), did not survive the chondrule formation processes to a measurable extent.
Experimental simulation of atmospheric entry of micrometeorites
Authors: Toppani Alice , Libourel Guy , Engrand Cécile , Maurette Michel
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Depending on their velocity, entry angle and mass, micrometeorites suffer different degrees of heating during their deceleration in the Earth's atmosphere, leading, in most cases, to significant textural, mineralogical and chemical modifications. One of these modifications is the formation of a magnetite shell around most micrometeorites, which until now could not be reproduced, neither theoretically nor experimentally. The present study was designed to better understand the entry heating effects on micrometeorites and especially the formation of the magnetite shell. Fragments of the Murchison and Orgueil meteorites were used as analogue material in flash‐heating experiments performed in a high‐temperature furnace; effects of temperature, heating duration, and oxygen fugacity were investigated.

These experiments were able to reproduce most of the micrometeorites textures, from the vesicular fine‐grained micrometeorites to the totally melted cosmic spherules. For the first time, the formation of a magnetite shell could be observed on micrometeorite analogues. We suggest that the most plausible mechanism for the formation of this shell is a peripheral partial melting with subsequent magnetite crystallization at the surface of the micrometeorite. Furthermore, with this study, it is possible to estimate the atmospheric entry conditions of micrometeorites, such as the peak temperature and the duration of flash‐heating.
Disequilibrium partial melting experiments on the Leedey L6 chondrite: Textural controls on melting processes
Authors: Feldstein S. N. , Jones R. H. , Papike J. J.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— A series of experiments were designed to investigate the textural and compositional changes that take place during disequilibrium partial melting of chondritic material. Chips of the L6 chondrite, Leedey, were heated at 1200 °C and log ƒO2 = IW‐1 for durations of 1 h to 21 days. We observed a progression of kinetically‐controlled textural changes in melt and restite minerals and changes in the liquidus mineralogy in response to factors such as volatile loss. During the course of the experiments, both olivine and orthopyroxene recrystallized at different times. Rare relic chondrules could still be identified after 21 days. The silicate melts that form are very heterogeneous, in terms of both major and trace element chemistry, reflecting heterogeneity of the localized mineral assemblage, particularly with respect to phosphates and clinopyroxene. Metal‐sulfide melts formed in short‐duration runs are also heterogeneous. The experimental data are relevant to aspects of the genesis of primitive achondrites such as the acapulcoites. The observed textures are consistent with a model for acapulcoite petrogenesis in which silicate melting was limited to only a few volume percent of the chondritic source rock. The experiments are also relevant to the behavior of chondritic material that has been partially melted in an impact environment.
Reconstruction Of The Subsurface Structure Of The Marquez Impact Crater In Leon County, Texas, Usa, Based On Well‐Log And Gravity Data
Authors: Wong Alan M. , Reid Arch M. , Hall Stuart A. , Sharpton Virgil L.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— In Leon County, Texas, USA, the Marquez Dome, an approximately circular 1.2 km diameter zone of disturbed Cretaceous rocks surrounded by shallow dipping Tertiary sediments, has been interpreted by Gibson and Sharpton (1989) and Sharpton and Gibson (1990) as the surface expression of a buried complex impact crater. New gravity and magnetic anomaly data collected over the Marquez Dome have been combined with well‐log and seismic reflection information to develop a better estimate of the overall geometry of the structure. A three‐dimensional model constructed to a depth of 2000 m from all available information indicates a complex crater 13 km in diameter with an uplift in the center of at least 1120 m. The zone of deformation associated with the cratering event is limited to a depth of <1720 m. No impact breccias were recovered in drilling at two locations, 1.1 and 2 km from the center of the structure, and the central uplift may be the only prominent remnant of this impact into unconsolidated, water‐rich sediments. The magnetic anomaly field shows no correlation with the location and extent of the structure.
Flux of very faint Leonid meteors observed with a 3 meter liquid mirror telescope intensified charge‐coupled device system
Authors: Pawlowski J. F. , Hebert T. J. , Hawkes R. L. , Matney M. J. , Stansbery E. G.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We have used a 3.0 m diameter liquid mirror telescope (LMT) coupled to a microchannel plate image‐intensified charge‐coupled device (CCD) detector to study the 1999 Leonid meteor shower. This is the largest aperture optical instrument ever utilized for meteor detection. While the observing system is sensitive down to stars of +18 astronomical magnitude under optimum conditions, when corrections for meteor motion are applied the majority of the meteors collected fall in the absolute magnitude range from +5 to +10, corresponding to photometric masses from about 10−7 to 10−9 kg. This is largely due to the fact that the field of view of the LMT was only 0.28°, so that only a small portion of the luminous meteor trail was recorded. While the flux of these small (1.4 times 10−9 kg) Leonid meteors is low (on the order of one Leonid meteor per hour per square kilometer perpendicular to the Leonid), we do have clear evidence that the Leonid stream contains particles in the mass range studied here. The data showed a possibly significant peak in Leonid flux (9.3 ± 3.5) for the 1 h period from 11:00 to 12:00 u.t. 1999 November 17 (solar longitude 234.653 to 234.695, epoch 2000.0), although the main trend of these results is a broad low‐level Leonid activity. There is evidence that small meteoroids are more widely distributed in the Leonid stream, as would be expected from cometary ejection stream models. As would be expected from an extrapolation of mass distribution indices for brighter meteors, the vast majority of meteors at this size are sporadic. The LMT is a powerful detector of sporadic meteors, with an average non‐Leonid detection rate of more than 140 meteor events per hour.
Itqiy: A metal‐rich enstatite meteorite with achondritic texture
Authors: Patzer Andrea , Hill Dolores H. , Boynton William V.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Itqiy is a unique coarse‐grained, metal‐rich enstatite meteorite that was found in the Western Sahara and consists of two rocks together weighing 4.72 kg, which are both completely coated with fusion crust. We report results from our electron microprobe and instrumental neutron activation analysis techniques.

Itqiy consists of subhedral, equigranular, millimeter‐sized enstatite, −25 vol% of millimeter‐sized kamacite and a few tiny intergrowths of sulfides and kamacite. Relic chondrules are absent. Pyroxene (Fs0.2) is chemically similar to enstatite in EL chondrites, but the metal is closer in composition to that in EH chondrites. Sulfides resemble those in E chondrites but their compositions are distinct from those in both EL and EH chondrites. Itqiy clearly formed under very reducing conditions, but it does not appear to have formed from EH or EL chondrites.

Two thermal events can be distinguished. Silicate compositions including rare earth element abundances indicate loss of partial melt and slow cooling. Heterogeneous sulfides indicate a subsequent reheating and quenching event, which may have been due to shock as many enstatite grains show shock stage S3 features.
Capture of particles in hypervelocity impacts in aerogel
Authors: BURCHELL M. J. , CREIGHTON J. A. , COLE M. J. , MANN J. , KEARSLEY A. T.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The capture in aerogel of 106 μm diameter glass beads is investigated for impact speeds of 1 to 7.5 km s−1. Three different aerogel densities were used, 60,96 and 180 kg m−3. It was found that the length of the penetration track in the aerogel increases with speed until a maximum is reached. Above the maximum speed the track length decreases. This behaviour is similar to that which has previously been observed for particles impacting polystyrene foams and porous alumina. Whilst track length was not found to be an unambiguous indicator of impact speed, the excavated track volume was found to be a suitable indictor of speed. Further, it was possible to estimate the original particle size by measurements of the track volume and entrance hole size. In addition sub‐100 μm diameter particles composed of various minerals were fired into aerogel and the characterisation of the particles in situ by use of a Raman spectrometer was evaluated. This was found to work well, giving vibrational spectra essentially similar to those of the bulk minerals, thus providing a mineralogical rather than an elemental signature for the captured particles.
Thermal history of the Ibitira noncumulate eucrite as inferred from pyroxene exsolution lamella: Evidence for reheating and rapid cooling
Authors: MIYAMOTO M. , MIKOUCHI T. , KANEDA K.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Ibitira is a strongly recrystallized and unbrecciated noncumulate eucrite. We measured Ca compositional profiles of Ibitira pyroxene by electron microprobe and computed the cooling rate and burial depth from pyroxene exsolution profiles to gain information on early thermal history of Ibitira. Pyroxene begins to exsolve at 1082 °C and cools down to 550 °C at a rate of 0.02 °C/year, forming an augite lamella about 7.0 μm in width. A notable characteristic of the Ca profile of augite lamellae in Ibitira pyroxene is a gradient near the interface between augite and low‐Ca pyroxene (pigeonite). This profile suggests that after thermal metamorphism Ibitira pyroxene experienced a sudden temperature rise to above solidus temperature of pyroxene (∼1082 °C), and subsequent rapid cooling. The 39Ar‐40Ar age of 4.485 Ga for Ibitira, which is the oldest 39Ar‐40Ar age for noncumulate eucrites, may date this reheating event.
The effects of space weathering on Apollo 17 mare soils: Petrographie and chemical characterization
Authors: TAYLOR Lawrence A. , PIETERS Carlé , KELLER Lindsay P. , MORRIS Richard V. , McKAY David S. , PATCHEN Allan , WENTWORTH Susan
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The lunar soil characterization consortium, a group of lunar‐sample and remote‐sensing scientists, has undertaken the extensive task of characterization of the finest fractions of lunar soils, with respect to their mineralogical and chemical makeup. These compositional data form the basis for integration and modeling with the reflectance spectra of these same soil fractions. This endeavor is aimed at deciphering the effects of space weathering of soils on airless bodies with quantification of the links between remotely sensed reflectance spectra and composition. A beneficial byproduct is an understanding of the complexities involved in the formation of lunar soil.

Several significant findings have been documented in the study of the <45 μm size fractions of selected Apollo 17 mare soils. As grain size decreases, the abundance of agglutinitic glass increases, as does the plagioclase, whereas the other minerals decrease. The composition of the agglutinitic glass is relatively constant for all size fractions, being more feldspathic than any of the bulk compositions; notably, TiO2 is substantially depleted in the agglutinitic glass. However, as grain size decreases, the bulk composition of each size fraction continuously changes, becoming more Al‐rich and Fe‐poor, and approaches the composition of the agglutinitic glasses. Between the smallest grain sizes (10–20 and < 10 μm), the IS/FeO values (amount of total iron present as nanophase Fe0) increase by greater than 100% (>2x), whereas the abundance of agglutinitic glass increases by only 10–15%. This is evidence for a large contribution from surface‐correlated nanophase Fe0 to the IS/FeO values, particularly in the <10 μm size fraction. The surface nanophase Fe0 is present largely as vapor‐deposited patinas on the surfaces of almost every particle of the mature soils, and to a lesser degree for the immature soils (Keller et al., 1999a). It is reasoned that the vapor‐deposited patinas may have far greater effects upon reflectance spectra of mare soils than the agglutinitic Fe0.
A plausible cause of the late heavy bombardment
Authors: MORBIDELLI A. , PETIT J‐M. , GLADMAN B. , CHAMBERS J.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We show that at the end of the main accretional period of the terrestrial planets, a few percent of the initial planetesimal population in the 1–2 AU zone is left on highly‐inclined orbits in the inner solar system. The final depletion of this leftover population would cause an extended bombardment of all of the terrestrial planets, slowly decaying with a timescale on the order of 60 Ma. Because of the large impact velocities dictated by the high inclinations, these projectiles would produce craters much larger than those formed by asteroids of equal size on typical current near‐Earth asteroid orbits: on the Moon, basins could have been formed by bodies as small as 20 km in diameter, and 10 km craters could be produced by 400 m impactors. To account for the observed lunar crater record, the initial population of highly‐inclined leftovers would need to be a few times that presently in the main asteroid belt, at all sizes, in agreement with the simulations of the primordial sculpting of both these populations. If a terminal lunar cataclysm (a spike in the crater record ∼3.9 Ga ago) really occurred on the Moon, it was not caused by the highly‐inclined leftover population, because of the monotonic decay of the latter.
Magmatic inclusions and felsic clasts in the Dar al Gani 319 polymict ureilite
Authors: IKEDA Yukio , PRINZ Martin
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Magmatic inclusions occur in type II ureilite clasts (olivine‐orthopyroxene‐augite assemblages with essentially no carbon) and in a large isolated plagioclase clast in the Dar al Gani (DaG) 319 polymict ureilite. Type I ureilite clasts (olivine‐pigeonite assemblages with carbon), as well as other lithic and mineral clasts in this meteorite, are described in Ikeda et al.(2000). The magmatic inclusions in the type II ureilite clasts consist mainly of magnesian augite and glass. They metastably crystallized euhedral pyroxenes, resulting in feldspar component‐enriched glass. On the other hand, the magmatic inclusions in the large plagioclase clast consist mainly of pyroxene and plagioclase, with a mesostasis. They crystallized with a composition along the cotectic line between the pyroxene and plagioclase liquidus fields.

DaG 319 also contains felsic lithic clasts that represent various types of igneous lithologies. These are the rare components not found in the common monomict ureilites. Porphyritic felsic clasts, the main type, contain phenocrysts of plagioclase and pyroxene, and their groundmass consists mainly of plagioclase, pyroxene, and minor phosphate, ilmenite, chromite, and/or glass. Crystallization of these porphyritic clasts took place along the cotectic line between the pyroxene and plagioclase fields. Pilotaxitic felsic clasts crystallized plagioclase laths and minor interstitial pyroxene under metastable conditions, and the mesostasis is extremely enriched in plagioclase component in spite of the ubiquitous crystallization of plagioclase laths in the clasts. We suggest that there are two crystallization trends, pyroxene‐metal and pyroxene‐plagioclase trends, for the magmatic inclusions and felsic lithic clasts in DaG 319. The pyroxene‐metal crystallization trend corresponds to the magmatic inclusions in the type II ureilite clasts and the pilotaxitic felsic clasts, where crystallization took place under reducing and metastable conditions, suppressing precipitation of plagioclase. The pyroxene‐plagioclase crystallization trend corresponds to the magmatic inclusions in the isolated plagioclase clast and the porphyritic felsic clasts. This trend developed under oxidizing conditions in magma chambers within the ureilite parent body.

The felsic clasts may have formed mainly from albite component‐rich silicate melts produced by fractional partial melting of chondritic precursors. The common monomict ureilites, type I ureilites, may have formed by the fractional partial melting of alkali‐bearing chondritic precursors. However, type II ureilites may have formed as cumulates from a basaltic melt.