bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model of the thermal processing of particles in solar nebula shocks: Application to the cooling rates of chondrules
Authors: DESCH S. J. , CONNOLLY H. C.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— We present a model for the thermal processing of particles in shock waves typical of the solar nebula. This shock model improves on existing models in that the dissociation and recombination of H2 and the evaporation of particles are accounted for in their effects on the mass, momentum and energy fluxes. Also, besides thermal exchange with the gas and gas‐drag heating, particles can be heated by absorbing the thermal radiation emitted by other particles. The flow of radiation is calculated using the equations of radiative transfer in a slab geometry. We compute the thermal histories of particles as they encounter and pass through the shock.

We apply this shock model to the melting and cooling of chondrules in the solar nebula. We constrain the combinations of shock speed and gas density needed for chondrules to reach melting temperatures, and show that these are consistent with shock waves generated by gravitational instabilities in the protoplanetary disk. After their melting, cooling rates of chondrules in the range 10–1000 K h−1 are naturally reproduced by the shock model. Chondrules are kept warm by the reservoir of hot shocked gas, which cools only as fast as the dust grains and chondrules themselves can radiate away the gas's energy. We predict a positive correlation between the concentration of chondrules in a region and the cooling rates of chondrules in that region. This correlation is supported by the unusually high frequency of (rapidly cooled) barred chondrules among compound chondrules, which must have collided preferentially in regions of high chondrule density. We discuss these and other compelling consistencies between the meteoritic record and the shock wave model of chondrule formation.
The Frontier Mountain meteorite trap (Antarctica)
Authors: FOLCO Luigi , CAPRA Alessandro , CHIAPPINI Massimo , FREZZOTTI Màssimo , MELLINI Marcello , TABACCO Ignazio Ezio
Published: January 2010

Abstract— The Frontier Mountain blue ice field is an important Antarctic meteorite trap which has yielded 472 meteorite specimens since its discovery in 1984. Remote sensing analyses and field campaigns from 1993 to 1999 have furnished new glaciological data on ice flow, ice thickness, bedrock topography, ice ablation and surface mass transport by wind, along with detailed descriptions of the field situation at the trap. This solid set of data combined with an updated meteorite distribution map and terrestrial ages available from literature allows us to better describe the nature of the concentration mechanism. In particular, we observe that the meteorite trap forms in a blue ice field (1) located upstream of an absolute and a shallow sub‐ice barriers; (2) characterized by compressive ice flow with horizontal velocities decreasing from 100 to <10 cm/year on approaching the obstacle; (3) undergoing mean ablation rates of 6.5 cm/year; (4) nourished by a limited snow accumulation zone extending ˜20 km upstream of the blue ice area. We also draw the following conclusions: (1) the origin of the meteorite trap can be explained according to the present‐day glaciological situation; (2) the meteorite concentration develops according to the general principles of the “ice flow model”; (3) the accumulation model can be described as “stagnant ice or slow‐moving ice against an absolute and submerged barriers”, according to the descriptive schemes present in literature; (4) the Frontier Mountain ice field is an effective trap for meteorites weighing more than ˜200 g; for smaller masses, the combination of wind and glacial drift may remove meteorites in less than a few tens of thousands of years; (5) although the activation age of the Frontier Mountain trap is not yet constrained, we infer that one of the most important findsites may be as old as 50 ka, predating the last glacial maximum.
Heavily‐hydrated lithic clasts in CH chondrites and the related, metal‐rich chondrites Queen Alexandra Range 94411 and Hammadah al Hamra 237
Authors: GRESHAKE Ansgar , KROT Alexander N. , MEIBOM Anders , WEISBERG Michael K. , ZOLENSKY Michael E. , KEIL Klaus
Published: January 2010

Abstract—Fine‐grained, heavily‐hydrated lithic clasts in the metal‐rich (CB) chondrites Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94411 and Hammadah al Hamra 237 and CH chondrites, such as Patuxent Range (PAT) 91546 and Allan Hills (ALH) 85085, are mineralogically similar suggesting genetic relationship between these meteorites. These clasts contain no anhydrous silicates and consist of framboidal and platelet magnetite, prismatic sulfides (pentlandite and pyrrhotite), and Fe‐Mn‐Mg‐bearing Ca‐carbonates set in a phyllosilicate‐rich matrix. Two types of phyllosilicates were identified: serpentine, with basal spacing of ˜0.73 nm, and saponite, with basal spacings of about 1.1–1.2 nm. Chondrules and FeNi‐metal grains in CB and CH chondrites are believed to have formed at high temperature (>1300 K) by condensation in a solar nebula region that experienced complete vaporization. The absence of aqueous alteration of chondrules and metal grains in CB and CH chondrites indicates that the clasts experienced hydration in an asteroidal setting prior to incorporation into the CH and CB parent bodies. The hydrated clasts were either incorporated during regolith gardening or accreted together with chondrules and FeNi‐metal grains after these high‐temperature components had been transported from their hot formation region to a much colder region of the solar nebula.
Calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions and amoeboid olivine aggregates from the CR carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Aléon Jérôme , Krot Alexander N. , McKeegan Kevin D.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Calcium‐aluminum‐rich refractory inclusions (CAIs) in CR chondrites are rare (<1 vol%), fairly small (<500 μm) and irregularly‐shaped, and most of them are fragmented. Based on the mineralogy and petrography, they can be divided into grossite ± hibonite‐rich, melilite‐rich, and pyroxene‐anorthite‐rich CAIs. Other types of refractory objects include fine‐grained spinel‐melilite‐pyroxene aggregates and amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs). Some of the pyroxene‐anorthite‐rich CAIs have igneous textures, and most melilite‐rich CAIs share similarities to both the fluffy and compact type A CAIs found in CV chondrites. One major difference between these CAIs and those in CV, CM, and CO chondrites is that secondary mineral phases are rare.

In situ ion microprobe analyses of oxygen‐isotopic compositions of 27 CAIs and AOAs from seven CR chondrites demonstrate that most of the CAIs are 16O‐rich (δ17O of hibonite, melilite, spinel, pyroxene, and anorthite < −22‰) and isotopically homogeneous within 3–4‰. Likewise, forsterite, spinel, anorthite, and pyroxene in AOAs have nearly identical, 16O‐rich compositions (−24‰ < δ17O < −20‰). In contrast, objects which show petrographic evidence for extensive melting are not as 16O‐rich (δ17O less than −18‰). Secondary alteration minerals replacing 16O‐rich melilite in melilite‐rich CAIs plot along the terrestrial fractionation line.

Most CR CAIs and AOAs are mineralogically pristine objects that largely escaped thermal metamorphism and secondary alteration processes, which is reflected in their relatively homogeneous 16O‐rich compositions. It is likely that these objects (or their precursors) condensed in an 16O‐rich gaseous reservoir in the solar nebula. In contrast, several igneous CAIs are not very enriched in 16O, probably as a result of their having melted in the presence of a relatively 16O‐poor nebular gas. If the precursors of these CAIs were as 16O‐rich as other CR CAIs, this implies either temporal excursions in the isotopic composition of the gas in the CAI‐forming regions and/or radial transport of some CAI precursors into an 16O‐poor gas. The absence of oxygen isotope heterogeneity in the primary minerals of melilite‐rich CAIs containing alteration products suggests that mineralogical alteration in CR chondrites did not affect oxygen‐isotopic compositions of their CAIs.
Northwest Africa 482: A crystalline impact‐melt breccia from the lunar highlands
Authors: Daubar Ingrid J. , Kring David A. , Swindle Timothy D. , Jull A. J. Timothy
Published: January 2010

Abstract—Northwest Africa 482 (NWA 482) is a crystalline impact‐melt breccia from the Moon with highlands affinities. The recrystallized matrix and the clast population are both highly anorthositic. Clasts are all related to the ferroan anorthosite suite, and include isolated plagioclase crystals and lithic anorthosites, troctolites, and spinel troctolites. Potassium‐, rare‐earth‐element‐, and phosphorus‐bearing (KREEP) and mare lithologies are both absent, constraining the source area of this meteorite to a highland terrain with little to no KREEP component, most likely on the far side of the Moon. Glass is present in shock veins cutting through the sample and in several large melt pockets, indicating a second impact event.

There are two separate events recorded in the40Ar‐39Ar system: one at ∼3750 Ma, which completely reset the K‐Ar system, and one at ≲2400 Ma, which caused only partial degassing. These events could represent, respectively, crystallization of the impact‐melt breccia and later formation of the glass, or the formation of the glass and a later thermal event.

The terrestrial age of the meteorite is 8.6 ± 1.3 ka. This age corresponds well with the modest amount of weathering in the rock, in the form of secondary phyllosilicates and carbonates. Based on terrestrial age and location, lithology, and chemistry, NWA 482 is unique among known lunar meteorites.
High‐albedo asteroid 434 Hungaria: Spectrum, composition and genetic connections
Authors: Kelley Michael S. , Gaffey Michael J.
Published: January 2010

Abstract—New data in the wavelength region of approximately 0.4–2.5 μm have been obtained for asteroid 434 Hungaria. This is the most complete visible to near‐infrared spectrum to date for this object. The near‐infrared portion of the spectrum (about 0.8–2.5 μm) is smooth, featureless, and agrees well in the overlap region with new visible region data. However, visible region (about 0.45–0.9 μm) data appear to exhibit weak, broad spectral absorption features near 0.5, 0.6–0.7, and 1 μm. If real, the presence of such features would strongly constrain the compositional determination of Hungaria since it has a relatively high albedo of 46%. Most minerals that exhibit similar absorption features, and are commonly found in meteorites, have a much lower albedo. Asteroid 434 Hungaria has been observed more than six times in these overlapping spectral regions, and it is now possible to assess its mineral composition with some confidence. The dominant phase on this asteroid is an iron‐free mineral, probably enstatite. Hungaria may contain secondary phases causing subtle, visible‐region absorption features. Alternatively, the surface layer(s) of the asteroid may be contaminated by an absorbing species from an external source.
Dark inclusions in the Mokoia CV3 chondrite: Evidence for aqueous alteration and subsequent thermal and shock metamorphism
Authors: Ohnishi Ichiro , Tomeoka Kazushige
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Mokoia is a CV3 chondrite that contains abundant phyllosilicate mineralization. We present a detailed petrographic and scanning electron microscopic study of 24 dark inclusions (DIs) that we found in Mokoia. The overall texture and constituent minerals of the DIs resemble those in the host meteorite. Fe‐bearing saponite and Na‐rich phlogopite, the same phyllosilicates as in the host meteorite, occur in the DIs, which strongly suggests that the DIs have a similar alteration history to the host meteorite. However, the DIs show several distinct differences from the host meteorite. Olivine grains in the DI matrices are more homogeneous in Fe/(Fe + Mg) ratio than those in the host meteorite matrix. Phyllosilicates in the DIs are less abundant than in the host meteorite, and they have been dehydrated to various extents. These characteristics suggest that the DIs have experienced higher degree of thermal metamorphism than the host meteorite. In addition, the matrices in the DIs are more compacted than those in the host meteorite. Most olivine grains in the DIs show undulatory extinction in transmitted crossed‐polarized light and some show planar fractures, while such olivine grains are rare in the host meteorite. Two of the DIs contain Si‐, Mg‐, Fe‐ and O‐rich melt veins. These characteristics indicate that most DIs have been shocked to shock stage S3‐S4, while the host meteorite is shock stage S1 (virtually unshocked). Thermal metamorphism of the DIs was likely caused by shock heating. These results are consistent with the contention previously proposed for the DIs in CV3 chondrites (i.e., the DIs have experienced aqueous alteration and subsequent dehydration on the CV parent body). We suggest that thermal and shock metamorphism occurred locally to various extents after pervasive aqueous alteration in the Mokoia parent body.
The trapped noble gas component in achondrites
Authors: Busemann Henner , Eugster Otto
Published: January 2010

Abstract—The trapped noble gases Ar, Kr and Xe in several achondrites were analysed. We chose separates of the lodranites Lodran and Graves Nunataks 95209 and bulk samples of the Tatahouine diogenite, Pasamonte eucrite, five aubrites and two angrites. Among these, Lodran, Tatahouine, Pasamonte and the aubrite Norton County have been reported to contain U‐Xe, a noble gas component assumed to be the most primitive component in the solar system. U‐Xe might have been incorporated into the early Earth. We found large concentrations of Xe in several separates of the Lodran lodranite, however, none of the measurements revealed U‐Xe composition. The Xe composition of all achondrites can straightforwardly be explained with mixtures of trapped common Xe‐Q, absorbed air and various amounts of fissiogenic and cosmogenic Xe. Reanalysis of literature data for Pasamonte, Angra dos Reis and some aubrites is consistent with Xe‐Q as the trapped endmember component and contributions of fissiogenic Xe. The presence of Xe‐Q in many primitive achondrites is in agreement with the formation of their parent bodies from originally chondritic precursor material. The Ar‐Xe elemental composition of Lodran and the aubrites indicate subsolar composition, which is commonly found in E chondrites. This result supports a model of formation of the aubrites from E‐chondritic precursor material.
Thermophysical analysis of infrared observations of asteroids
Authors: Müller Thomas G.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Visual photometry, which measures reflected solar radiation, can be combined with infrared radiometry, which measures absorbed and re‐radiated solar energy, to determine key properties of small solar system objects. This method can be applied via thermophysical model concepts not only for albedo and diameter determination, but also for studies of thermal parameters like thermal inertia, surface roughness or emissivity. Hence, a detailed analysis of the asteroid surface is possible and topics like surface mineralogy, the density of the regolith or the presence of a rocky surface, lightcurve influences due to shape or albedo, porosity of the surface material, etc. can be addressed.

The “radiometric technique” based on a recently developed thermophysical model is presented. The model was extensively tested against observations from the infrared space observatory, including spectroscopic and photometric measurements at infrared wavelengths between 2 and 200 μm of more than 40 asteroids. The possible model applications are discussed in terms of the different levels of knowledge for individual asteroids. The effects of the thermal parameters are illustrated and methods are presented as to how to separate different aspects. Possibilities and limitations are evaluated for the possible transfer of this model to near‐Earth asteroids. In the long run, this kind of study of near‐Earth asteroids may provide answers to questions about their surface properties which are crucial to develop mitigation scenarios.
Physical properties of near‐Earth asteroids from thermal infrared observations and thermal modeling
Authors: Delbó Marco , Harris Alan W.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— We review the physical principles on which asteroid thermal models are based and their application in the derivation of asteroid sizes and albedos. In particular, the use of simple thermal models to derive reliable diameters and albedos of near‐Earth asteroids is discussed.
Heterogeneous condensation of presolar titanium carbide core‐graphite mantle spherules
Authors: Chigai Takeshi , Yamamoto Tetsuo , Kozasa Takashi
Published: January 2010

Abstract— We investigate heterogeneous nucleation and growth of graphite on precondensed TiC grains in the gas outflows from carbon‐rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars employing a newly‐derived heterogeneous nucleation rate taking into account of the chemical reactions at condensation. Competition between heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleations and growths of graphite is investigated to reveal the formation conditions of the TiC core‐graphite mantle spherules found in the Murchison meteorite. It is shown that no homogeneous graphite grain condenses whenever TiC condenses prior to graphite in the plausible ranges of the stellar parameters. Heterogeneous condensation of graphite occurs on the surfaces of growing TiC grains, and prevents the TiC cores from reaching the sizes realized if all available Ti atoms were incorporated into TiC grains. The physical conditions at the formation sites of the TiC core‐graphite mantle spherules observed in the Murchison meteorite are expressed by the relation 0.2 < n̈0.1 (M5/ζ)−1/2L41/4 < 0.7, where v0.1 is the gas outflow velocity at the formation site in units of 0.1 km s−1, M5 the mass loss rate in 10−5 M⊙ year−1, L4 the stellar luminosity in 104 L⊙, and M/ζ is the effective mass loss rate taking account of non‐spherical symmetry of the gas outflows. The total gas pressures Pc at the formation sites for the effective mass loss rates M/ζ = 10−5‐10−3 M⊙ year−1 correspond to 0.01 < Pc < 0.9 dyn cm−2, implying that the observed TiC core‐graphite mantle spherules are formed not only at the superwind stage but also at the earlier stage of low mass loss rates. The constraint on the C/O abundance ratio, 1 < ∍ ≲ 1.03, is imposed to reproduce the observed sizes of the TiC cores. The derived upper limit of the C/O ratio is lower than the values estimated from the calculations without taking into account of heterogeneous condensation of graphite, and is close to the lower end of the C/O ratios inferred from the astronomical observations of carbon‐rich AGB stars. Brief discussion is given on other types of graphite spherules.
Near‐Earth objects: Origins and need of physical characterization
Authors: Cellino A. , Zappala V. , Tedesco E. F.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Important improvements have been made in recent years in understanding the likely origins of near‐Earth objects (NEOs), and extensive observational campaigns are ongoing in order to assess their current inventory. From these studies we can hope to obtain a much better understanding of the different populations of minor bodies, their relationship with meteorites, and the overall history of the solar system. At the same time, NEOs are important also in terms of impact hazard. Both the purely scientific issues, and the more pragmatic point of view focused on the need of developing credible strategies of impact mitigation, require a major effort in order to improve the current knowledge of the physical properties of these objects.
The shape and appearance of craters formed by oblique impact on the Moon and Venus
Authors: Herrick Robert R. , Forsberg‐Taylor Nancy K.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— We surveyed the impact crater populations of Venus and the Moon, dry targets with and without an atmosphere, to characterize how the 3‐dimensional shape of a crater and the appearance of the ejecta blanket varies with impact angle. An empirical estimate of the impact angle below which particular phenomena occur was inferred from the cumulative percentage of impact craters exhibiting different traits. The results of the surveys were mostly consistent with predictions from experimental work. Assuming a sin2θ dependence for the cumulative fraction of craters forming below angle θ, on the Moon, the following transitions occur: >˜45 degrees, the ejecta blanket becomes asymmetric; >˜25 degrees, a forbidden zone develops in the uprange portion of the ejecta blanket, and the crater rim is depressed in that direction; >˜15 degrees, the rim becomes saddle‐shaped; >˜10 degrees, the rim becomes elongated in the direction of impact and the ejecta forms a “butterfly” pattern. On Venus, the atmosphere causes asymmetries in the ejecta blanket to occur at higher impact angles. The transitions on Venus are: >˜55 degrees, the ejecta becomes heavily concentrated downrange; >˜40 degrees, a notch in the ejecta that extends to the rim appears, and as impact angle decreases, the notch develops into a larger forbidden zone; >˜10 degrees, a fly‐wing pattern develops, where material is ejected in the crossrange direction but gets swept downrange. No relationship between location or shape of the central structure and impact angle was observed on either planet. No uprange steepening and no variation in internal slope or crater depth could be associated with impact angle on the Moon. For both planets, as the impact angle decreases from vertical, first the uprange and then the downrange rim decreases in elevation, while the remainder of the rim stays at a constant elevation. For craters on Venus >˜15 km in diameter, a variety of crater shapes are observed because meteoroid fragment dispersal is a significant fraction of crater diameter. The longer path length for oblique impacts causes a correlation of clustered impact effects with oblique impact effects. One consequence of this correlation is a shallowing of the crater with decreasing impact angle for small craters.
Ordinary chondrite metallography: Part 2. Formation of zoned and unzoned metal particles in relatively unshocked H, L, and LL chondrites
Authors: Reisener R. J. , Goldstein J. I.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— We studied the metallography of Fe‐Ni metal particles in 17 relatively unshocked ordinary chondrites and interpreted their microstructures using the results of P‐free, Fe‐Ni alloy cooling experiments (described in Reisener and Goldstein 2003). Two types of Fe‐Ni metal particles were observed in the chondrites: zoned taenite + kamacite particles and zoneless plessite particles, which lack systematic Ni zoning and consist of tetrataenite in a kamacite matrix. Both types of metal particles formed during metamorphism in a parent body from homogeneous, P‐poor taenite grains. The phase transformations during cooling from peak metamorphic temperatures were controlled by the presence or absence of grain boundaries in the taenite particles. Polycrystalline taenite particles transformed to zoned taenite + kamacite particles by kamacite nucleation at taenite/taenite grain boundaries during cooling. Monocrystalline taenite particles transformed to zoneless plessite particles by martensite formation and subsequent martensite decomposition to tetrataenite and kamacite during the same cooling process. The varying proportions of zoned taenite + kamacite particles and zoneless plessite particles in types 4–6 ordinary chondrites can be attributed to the conversion of polycrystalline taenite to monocrystalline taenite during metamorphism. Type 4 chondrites have no zoneless plessite particles because metamorphism was not intense enough to form monocrystalline taenite particles. Type 6 chondrites have larger and more abundant zoneless plessite particles than type 5 chondrites because intense metamorphism in type 6 chondrites generated more monocrystalline taenite particles. The distribution of zoneless plessite particles in ordinary chondrites is entirely consistent with our understanding of Fe‐Ni alloy phase transformations during cooling. The distribution cannot be explained by hot accretion‐autometamorphism, post‐metamorphic brecciation, or shock processing.
Magma ocean fractional crystallization and cumulate overturn in terrestrial planets: Implications for Mars
Authors: ELKINS‐TANTON Linda T. , PARMENTIER E. M. , HESS P. C.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Crystallization of a magma ocean on a large terrestrial planet that is significantly melted by the energy of accretion may lead to an unstable cumulate density stratification, which may overturn to a stable configuration. Overturn of the initially unstable stratification may produce an early basaltic crust and differentiated mantle reservoirs. Such a stable compositional stratification can have important implications for the planet's subsequent evolution by delaying or suppressing thermal convection and by influencing the distribution of radiogenic heat sources. We use simple models for fractional crystallization of a martian magma ocean, and calculate the densities of the resulting cumulates. While the simple models presented do not include all relevant physical processes, they are able to describe to first order a number of aspects of martian evolution. The models describe the creation of magma source regions that differentiated early in the history of Mars, and present the possibility of an early, brief magnetic field initiated by cold overturned cumulates falling to the coremantle boundary. In a model that includes the density inversion at about 7.5 GPa, where olivine and pyroxene float in the remaining magma ocean liquids while garnet sinks, cumulate overturn sequesters alumina in the deep martian interior. The ages and compositions of source regions are consistent with SNC meteorite data.
Spinels and oxygen fugacity in olivine‐phyric and lherzolitic shergottites
Authors: GOODRICH Cyrena Anne , HERD Christopher D. K. , TAYLOR Lawrence A.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— We examine the occurrences, textures, and compositional patterns of spinels in the olivine‐phyric shergottites Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 005, lithology A of Elephant Moraine A79001 (EET‐A), Dhofar 019, and Northwest Africa (NWA) 1110, as well as the Iherzolitic shergottite Allan Hills (ALH) A77005, in order to identify spinel‐olivine‐pyroxene assemblages for the determination of oxygen fugacity (using the oxybarometer of Wood [1991]) at several stages of crystallization. In all of these basaltic martian rocks, chromite was the earliest phase and crystallized along a trend of strict Cr‐Al variation. Spinel (chromite) crystallization was terminated by the appearance of pyroxene but resumed later with the appearance of ulvöspinel. Ulvöspinel formed overgrowths on early chromites (except those shielded as inclusions in olivine or pyroxene), retaining the evidence of the spinel stability gap in the form of a sharp core/rim boundary (except in ALH A77005, where subsolidus reequilibration diffused this boundary). Secondary effects seen in chromites include reaction with melt before ulvöspinel overgrowth, reaction with melt inclusions, reaction with olivine hosts (in ALH A77005), and exsolution of ulvöspinel or ilmenite. All chromites experienced subsolidus Fe/Mg reequilibration. Spinel‐olivine‐pyroxene assemblages representing the earliest stages of crystallization in each rock essentially consist of the highest‐Cr#, lowest‐fe# chromites not showing secondary effects plus the most magnesian olivine and equilibrium low‐Ca pyroxene. Assemblages representing the onset of ulvöspinel crystallization consist of the lowest‐Ti ulvöspinel, the most magnesian olivine in which ulvöspinel occurs as inclusions, and equilibrium low‐Ca pyroxene.

The results show that, for early crystallization conditions, oxygen fugacity (fO2) increases from SaU 005 and Dhofar 019 (˜QFM ‐3.8), to EET‐A (QFM ‐2.8) and ALH A77005 (QFM ‐2.6), to NWA 1110 (QFM ‐1.7). Estimates for later conditions indicate that in SaU 005 and Dhofar 019 oxidation state did not change during crystallization. In EET‐A, there was an increase in fO2 that may have been due to mixing of reduced material with a more oxidized magma. In NWA 1110, there was a dramatic increase, indicating a non‐buffered system, possibly related to its high oxidation state. Differences in fO2 among shergottites are not primarily due to igneous fractionation but, rather, to derivation from (and possibly mixing of) different reservoirs.
The oxygen fugacity of olivine‐phyric martian basalts and the components within the mantle and crust of Mars
Authors: HERD Christopher D. K.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— The oxygen fugacity of olivine‐phyric martian basalts is estimated using olivine‐pyroxene‐spinel equilibria, supported by detailed petrography. Results are plotted, along with previous oxygen fugacity estimates, against La/Yb, which is used as a proxy for long‐term incompatible‐element depletion or enrichment in martian basalt reservoirs. In general, the correlation between oxygen fugacity and La/Yb observed by Herd et al. (2002a) holds for the olivine‐phyric basalts. The implications of the correlation are re‐evaluated in light of work by Borg et al. (Forthcoming), which indicates that the variations in radiogenic isotopic composition can be modeled by mixing of mantle sources established by 4.5 Ga through crystallization of a magma ocean in lieu of assimilation of crustal material. The results demonstrate that the crust‐like component, interpreted as trapped liquid in a magma ocean cumulate pile, must be oxidized to explain the oxygen fugacity of the martian basalts. Consequently, the pre‐eruptive water contents of the more oxidized basalts are expected to be higher, although water is not called upon as the cause of the oxidation. Unmixing of mantle components provides an important context for the interpretation of oxygen isotopes, demonstrated here, and of samples returned from the martian surface.
Constraints on the structure of the martian interior determined from the chemical and isotopic systematics of SNC meteorites
Authors: JONES J. H.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— The crystallization ages of martian (SNC) meteorites give evidence that martian volcanism has continued until recent times‐perhaps until the present. These meteorites also indicate that the mantle source regions of this volcanism are modestly to extremely depleted by terrestrial standards. These 2 observations produce a conundrum. How is it that such depleted source regions have produced basaltic magma for such a long time?

This contribution attempts to quantify the radiogenic heat production in 2 distinct martian mantle source regions: those of the shergottites and nakhlites. Compared to the depleted upper mantle of the Earth (MORB), the nakhlite source region is depleted by about a factor of 2, and the shergottite source region is depleted by a factor of 6. According to current geophysical models, the nakhlite source contains the minimum amount of radioactive heat production to sustain whole‐mantle convection and basalt generation over geologic time. A corollary of this conclusion is that the shergottite source contains much too little radioactivity to produce recent (<200 Ma) basalts. A model martian interior with a deep nakhlite mantle that is insulated by a shallow shergottite mantle may allow basalt production from both source regions if the divide between the nakhlite‐shergottite mantles acts as a thermal boundary layer. Similarities between lunar and martian isotopic reservoirs indicate that the Moon and Mars may have experienced similar styles of differentiation.
Melting in the martian mantle: Shergottite formation and implications for present‐day mantle convection on Mars
Authors: KIEFER Walter S.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Radiometric age dating of the shergottite meteorites and cratering studies of lava flows in Tharsis and Elysium both demonstrate that volcanic activity has occurred on Mars in the geologically recent past. This implies that adiabatic decompression melting and upwelling convective flow in the mantle remains important on Mars at present. I present a series of numerical simulations of mantle convection and magma generation on Mars. These models test the effects of the total radioactive heating budget and of the partitioning of radioactivity between crust and mantle on the production of magma. In these models, melting is restricted to the heads of hot mantle plumes that rise from the core‐mantle boundary, consistent with the spatially localized distribution of recent volcanism on Mars. For magma production to occur on present‐day Mars, the minimum average radioactive heating rate in the martian mantle is 1.6 times 10−12 W/kg, which corresponds to 39% of the Wanke and Dreibus (1994) radioactivity abundance. If the mantle heating rate is lower than this, the mean mantle temperature is low, and the mantle plumes experience large amounts of cooling as they rise from the base of the mantle to the surface and are, thus, unable to melt. Models with mantle radioactive heating rates of 1.8 to 2.1 times 10 −12 W/kg can satisfy both the present‐day volcanic resurfacing rate on Mars and the typical melt fraction observed in the shergottites. This corresponds to 43–50% of the Wanke and Dreibus radioactivity remaining in the mantle, which is geochemically reasonable for a 50 km thick crust formed by about 10% partial melting. Plausible changes to either the assumed solidus temperature or to the assumed core‐mantle boundary temperature would require a larger amount of mantle radioactivity to permit present‐day magmatism. These heating rates are slightly higher than inferred for the nakhlite source region and significantly higher than inferred from depleted shergottites such as QUE 94201. The geophysical estimate of mantle radioactivity inferred here is a global average value, while values inferred from the martian meteorites are for particular points in the martian mantle. Evidently, the martian mantle has several isotopically distinct compositions, possibly including a radioactively enriched source that has not yet been sampled by the martian meteorites. The minimum mantle heating rate corresponds to a minimum thermal Rayleigh number of 2 times 106, implying that mantle convection remains moderately vigorous on present‐day Mars. The basic convective pattern on Mars appears to have been stable for most of martian history, which has prevented the mantle flow from destroying the isotopic heterogeneity.
Chemical compositions of martian basalts (shergottites): Some inferences on b; formation, mantle metasomatism, and differentiation in Mars
Authors: TREIMAN Allan H.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Bulk chemical compositions of the shergottite basalts provide important constraints on magma genesis and mantle processes in Mars. Abundances of many major and trace elements in the shergottites covary in 2 distinct groups: Group 1 (Gl) includes mostly highly incompatible elements (e.g., La, Th), and Group 2 (G2) includes mostly moderately incompatible elements (e.g., Ti, Lu, Al, Hf). Covariations of G2 elements (not necessarily linear) are consistent with partitioning between basalt magma and orthopyroxene + olivine. This fractionation represents partial melting to form the shergottites and their crystallization; the restite minerals cannot include aluminous phase(s), phosphate, ilmenite, zircon, or sulfides.

Overall, abundances of Gl elements are decoupled from those of G2. In graphing abundances of a Gl element against those of a G2 element, G1/G2 abundance ratios do not appear to be random but are restricted to 4 values. Shergottites with a given G1/G2 value need not have the same crystallization age and need not fall on a single fractionation trajectory involving compatible elements (e.g., Ti versus Fe*). These observations imply that the G1/G2 families were established before basalt formation and suggest metasomatic enrichment of their source region (major carrier of G2 elements) by a component rich in Gl elements.

Group 1 elements were efficiently separated from G2 elements very early in Mars' history. Such efficient fractionation is not consistent with simple petrogenesis; it requires multiple fractionations, “complex” petrogenetic processes, or minerals with unusual geochemistry. The behavior of phosphorus in this early fractionation event is inexplicable by normal petrogenetic processes and minerals. Several explanations are possible, including significant compatibility of P in majoritic garnet and the presence of P‐bearing iron metal (or a phosphide phase) in the residual solid assemblage (carrier of G2 elements). If the latter, Mars' mantle is more oxidized now than during the ancient fractionation event.
Northwest Africa 773: Lunar origin and iron‐enrichment trend
Authors: Fagan T. J. , Taylor G. J. , Keil K. , Hicks T. L. , Killgore M. , Bunch T. E. , Wittke J. H. , Mittlefehldt D. W. , Clayton R. N. , Mayeda T. K. , Eugster O. , Lorenzetti S. , Norman M. D.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— The meteorite Northwest Africa 773 (NWA 773) is a lunar sample with implications for the evolution of mafic magmas on the moon. A combination of key parameters including whole‐rock oxygen isotopic composition, Fe/Mn ratios in mafic silicates, noble gas concentrations, a KREEP‐like rare earth element pattern, and the presence of regolith agglutinate fragments indicate a lunar origin for NWA 773. Partial maskelynitization of feldspar and occasional twinning of pyroxene are attributed to shock deformation. Terrestrial weathering has caused fracturing and precipitation of Carich carbonates and sulfates in the fractures, but lunar minerals appear fresh and unoxidized.

The meteorite is composed of two distinct lithologies: a two‐pyroxene olivine gabbro with cumulate texture, and a polymict, fragmental regolith breccia. The olivine gabbro is dominated by cumulate olivine with pigeonite, augite, and interstitial plagioclase feldspar. The breccia consists of several types of clasts but is dominated by clasts from the gabbro and more FeO‐rich derivatives. Variations in clast mineral assemblage and pyroxene Mg/(Mg + Fe) and Ti/(Ti + Cr) record an igneous Fe‐enrichment trend that culminated in crystallization of fayalite + silica + hedenbergite‐bearing symplectites.

The Fe‐enrichment trend and cumulate textures observed in NWA 773 are similar to features of terrestrial ponded lava flows and shallow‐level mafic intrusives, indicating that NWA 773 may be from a layered mafic intrusion or a thick, differentiated lava flow. NWA 773 and several other mafic lunar meteorites have LREE‐enriched patters distinct from Apollo and Luna mare basalts, which tend to be LREE‐depleted. This is somewhat surprising in light of remote sensing data that indicates that the Apollo and Luna missions sampled a portion of the moon that was enriched in incompatible heatproducing elements.
Megaregolith evolution and cratering cataclysm models—Lunar cataclysm as a misconception (28 years later)
Authors: Hartmann William K.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— The hypothesis of a lunar cataclysmic cratering episode between 3.8 and 3.9 Gyr ago lacks proof. Its strongest form proposes no cratering before about 4.0 Gyr, followed by catastrophic formation of most lunar craters and basins in >200 Myr. The premise that “zero impact melts implies zero impacts” is disproved by data from asteroids, on which early collisions clearly occurred, but from which early impact melts are scarce. Plausible cataclysm models imply that any cataclysm should have affected the whole inner solar system, but among available lunar and asteroid impact melt and impact age resetting data, a narrow, strong 3.8–3.9 Gyr spike in ages is seen only in the region sampled by Apollo/Luna. Reported lunar meteorite data do not show the spike. Asteroid data show a broader, milder peak, spreading from about 4.2 to 3.5 Gyr. These data suggest either that the spike in Apollo impact melt ages is associated with unique lunar front side events, or that the lunar meteorites data represent different kinds of events than the Apollo/Luna data. Here, we develop an alternate “megaregolith evolution” hypothesis to explain these data. In this hypothesis, early impact melts are absent not because there were no impacts, but because the high rate of early impacts led to their pulverization. The model estimates survival halflives of most lunar impact melts prior to 4.1 Gyr at >100 Myr. After a certain time, Tcritical ˜4.0 Gyr, impact melts began to survive to the present. The age distribution differences among impact melts and plutonic rocks are controlled by, and hold clues to, the history of regolith evolution and the relative depths of sequestration of impact melts versus plutonic rocks, both among lunar and asteroidal samples. Both the “zero cratering, then cataclysm” hypothesis and the “megaregolith evolution” hypothesis require further testing, especially with lunar meteorite impact melt studies.
New eucrite Dar al Gani 872: Petrography, chemical composition, and evolution
Authors: Patzer Andrea , Hill Dolores H. , Boynton William V.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Dar al Gani 872 (DaG 872) is a new meteorite from Libya that we classified by means of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), electron microprobe, and optical microscopy.

According to our results, DaG 872 is a Mg‐rich main group eucrite, i.e., a monomict noncumulate basaltic eucrite displaying a predominant coarse‐grained relict subophitic and a fine‐grained granulitic texture. The meteorite also shows pockets of late‐stage mesostasis and is penetrated by several calcite veins due to terrestrial weathering. Finally, it exhibits shock phenomena of stage 1–2 including heavily fractured mineral components, undulose extinction of plagioclase, kinked lamellae, and mosaicism in pyroxenes corresponding to peak pressures of ˜20 GPa. In view of petrographic criteria as well as compositional and exsolution characteristics of its pyroxenes, the sample represents a metamorphic type 5 eucrite. Assuming the metamorphic type to be a function of burial depth on the parent body and taking into account the relatively high shock stage, the excavation of DaG 872 was likely induced by a major impact event. Prior to this point, DaG 872 apparently underwent a 4‐stage geological evolution that is reflected by intricate textural and mineralogical features.
Petrography and mineral chemistry of the anhydrous component of the Tagish Lake carbonaceous chondrite
Authors: Simon S. B. , Grossman L.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Most studies of Tagish Lake have considered features that were either strongly affected by or formed during the extensive hydrous alteration experienced by this meteorite. This has led to some ambiguity as to whether Tagish Lake should be classified a CI, a CM, or something else. Unlike previous workers, we have focused upon the primary, anhydrous component of Tagish Lake, recovered through freeze‐thaw disaggregation and density separation and located by thin section mapping. We found many features in common with CMs that are not observed in CIs. In addition to the presence of chondrules and refractory forsterite (which distinguish Tagish Lake from the CIs), we found hibonite‐bearing refractory inclusions, spinel‐rich inclusions, forsterite aggregates, Cr‐, Al‐rich spinel, and accretionary mantles on many clasts, which clearly establishes a strong link between Tagish Lake and the CM chondrites. The compositions of isolated olivine crystals in Tagish Lake are also like those found in CMs. We conclude that the anhydrous inclusion population of Tagish Lake was, originally, very much like that of the known CM chondrites and that the inclusions in Tagish Lake are heavily altered, more so than even those in Mighei, which are more heavily altered than those in Murchison.
The clay mineralogy of sediments related to the marine Mjølnir impact crater
Authors: DYPVIK Henning , FERRELL Ray E. , SANDBAKKEN Pål T.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— The 40 km diameter Mjølnir Crater is located on the central Barents Sea shelf, north of Norway. It was formed about 142 ± 2.6 Myr ago by the impact of a 1–2 km asteroid into the shallow shelf clays of the Hekkingen Formation and the underlying Triassic to Jurassic sedimentary strata.

A core recovered from the central high within the crater contains slump and avalanche deposits from the collapse of the transient crater and central high. These beds are overlain by gravity flow conglomerates, with laminated shales and marls on top. Here, impact and post‐impact deposits in this core are studied with focus on clay mineralogy obtained from XRD decomposition and simulation analysis methods. The clay‐sized fractions are dominated by kaolinite, illite, mixed‐layered clay minerals and quartz. Detailed analyses showed rather similar composition throughout the core, but some noticeable differences were detected, including varying crystal size of kaolinite and different types of illites and illite/smectite. These minerals may have been formed by diagenetic changes in the more porous/fractured beds in the crater compared to time‐equivalent beds outside the crater rim.

Long‐term post‐impact changes in clay mineralogy are assumed to have been minor, due to the shallow burial depth and minor thermal influence from impact‐heated target rocks. Instead, the clay mineral assemblages, especially the abundance of chlorite, reflect the impact and post‐impact reworking of older material. Previously, an ejecta layer (the Sindre Bed) was recognized in a nearby well outside the crater, represented by an increase in smectite‐rich clay minerals, genetically equivalent to the smectite occurring in proximal ejecta deposits of the Chicxulub crater. Such alteration products from impact glasses were not detected in this study, indicating that little, if any, impact glass was deposited within the upper part of the crater fill. Crater‐fill deposits inherited their mineral composition from Triassic and Jurassic sediments underlying the impact site.
Northwest Africa 428: Impact‐induced annealing of an L6 chondrite breccia
Authors: RUBIN Alan E.
Published: January 2010

Abstract— Northwest Africa (NWA) 428 is an L chondrite that was successively thermally metamorphosed to petrologic type‐6, shocked to stage S4–S5, brecciated, and annealed to approximately petrologic type‐4. Its thermal and shock history resembles that of the previously studied LL6 chondrite, Miller Range (MIL) 99301, which formed on a different asteroid. The petrologic type‐6 classification of NWA 428 is based on its highly recrystallized texture, coarse metal (150 ± 150 μm), troilite (100 ± 170 μm), and plagioclase (20–60 μm) grains, and relatively homogeneous olivine (Fa24.4 ± 0.6), low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs20.5 ± 0.4), and plagioclase (Ab84.2 ± 0.4) compositions. The petrographic criteria that indicate shock stage S4–S5 include the presence of chromite veinlets, chromite‐plagioclase assemblages, numerous occurrences of metallic Cu, irregular troilite grains within metallic Fe‐Ni, polycrystalline troilite, duplex plessite, metal and troilite veins, large troilite nodules, and low‐Ca clinopyroxene with polysynthetic twins. If the rock had been shocked before thermal metamorphism, low‐Ca clinopyroxene produced by the shock event would have transformed into orthopyroxene. Post‐shock brecciation is indicated by the presence of recrystallized clasts and highly shocked clasts that form sharp boundaries with the host. Post‐shock annealing is indicated by the sharp optical extinction of the olivine grains; during annealing, the damaged olivine crystal lattices healed. If temperatures exceeded those approximating petrologic type‐4 (˜600–700°C) during annealing, the low‐Ca clinopyroxene would have transformed into orthopyroxene. The other shock indicators, likewise, survived the mild annealing. An impact event is the most plausible source of post‐metamorphic, post‐shock annealing because any 26Al that may have been present when the asteroid accreted would have decayed away by the time NWA 428 was annealed. The similar inferred histories of NWA 428 (L6) and MIL 99301 (LL6) indicate that impact heating affected more than 1 ordinary chondrite parent body.