Research Current research efforts are focused on the chemistry of meteorites, lunar samples and other analytical geochemical problems. Analytical instruments or techniques used in these investigations include gas chromatography, X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry and electron microprobe techniques together with wet chemical analytical methods and standard methods for the characterization of meteoritic organic compounds. A major effort is on the development of ion chromatographic techniques for geochemical analyses. The presence of the meteorite collections in the Center for Meteorite Studies at Arizona State University affords us a unique opportunity to investigate the chemistry of these interesting objects.
Meteorites are messengers from time and space.
They have undergone little change since they were formed within the solar system 4.6 x 10 years ago. Our research interests take advantage of the great statistical depth we have in our outstanding collections. Current work under way includes statistical studies of meteorite compositions and homogeneity, the origin of the low calcium achondrites and trace elements in iron meteorites. Of particular interest are carbonaceous chondrites. These meteorites contain both high and low temperature phases including clay type minerals and organic compounds.