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Meteorites and the Origin of the Solar System
Meteorites and the origin of the solar system STEPHEN G. BRUSH University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (e-mail: [email protected]) Abstract: During the past two centuries, theories of the origin of the solar system have been strongly influenced by observations and theories about meteorites. I review this history up to about 1985. During the 19th century the hypothesis that planets formed by accretion of small solid particles ('the meteoritic hypothesis') competed with the alternative 'nebular hypothesis' of Laplace, based on condensation from a hot gas. At the beginning of the 20th century Chamberlin and Moulton revived the meteoritic hypothesis as the 'planetesimal hypothesis' and joined it to the assumption that the solar system evolved from the encounter of the Sun with a passing star. Later, the encounter hypothesis was rejected and the planetesimal hypothesis was incorporated into new versions of the nebular hypothesis. In the 1950s, meteorites provided essential data for the establishment by Patterson and others of the pre- sently accepted 4500 Ma age of the Earth and the solar system. Analysis of the Allende meteorite, which fell in 1969, inspired the 'supernova trigger' theory of the origin of the solar system, and furnished useful constraints on theories of planetary formation developed by Urey, Ringwood, Anders and others. Many of these theories assumed condensation from a homogeneous hot gas, an assumption that was challenged by astrophysical calculations. The meteoritic-planetesimal theory of planet formation was developed in Russia by Schmidt and later by Safronov. Wetherill, in the United States, established it as the preferred theory for formation of terrestrial planets. -
Chapter 5: Shock Metamorphism and Impact Melting
5. Shock Metamorphism and Impact Melting ❖❖❖ Shock-metamorphic products have become one of the diagnostic tools of impact cratering studies. They have become the main criteria used to identify structures of impact origin. They have also been used to map the distribution of shock-pressures throughout an impact target. The diverse styles of shock metamorphism include fracturing of crystals, formation of microcrystalline planes of glass through crystals, conversion of crystals to high-pressure polymorphs, conversion of crystals to glass without loss of textural integrity, conversion of crystals to melts that may or may not mix with melts from other crystals. Shock-metamorphism of target lithologies at the crater was first described by Barringer (1905, 1910) and Tilghman (1905), who recognized three different products. The first altered material they identified is rock flour, which they concluded was pulverized Coconino sandstone. Barringer observed that rock flour was composed of fragmented quartz crystals that were far smaller in size than the unaffected quartz grains in normal Coconino sandstone. Most of the pulverized silica he examined passed through a 200 mesh screen, indicating grain sizes <74 µm (0.074 mm), which is far smaller than the 0.2 mm average detrital grain size in normal Coconino (Table 2.1). Fairchild (1907) and Merrill (1908) also report a dramatic comminution of Coconino, although only 50% of Fairchild’s sample of rock flour passed through a 100 mesh screen, indicating grain sizes <149 µm. Heterogeneity of the rock flour is evident in areas where sandstone clasts survive within the rock flour. The rock flour is pervasive and a major component of the debris at the crater. -
Lunar Meteorites: Impact Melt and Regolith Breccias and Large-Scale Heterogeneities of the Upper Lunar Crust
Meteoritics & Planetary Science 40, Nr 7, 989–1014 (2005) Abstract available online at http://meteoritics.org “New” lunar meteorites: Impact melt and regolith breccias and large-scale heterogeneities of the upper lunar crust Paul H. WARREN*, Finn ULFF-MØLLER, and Gregory W. KALLEMEYN Institute of Geophysics, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095–1567, USA *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] (Received 06 May 2002; revision accepted 24 April 2005) Abstract–We have analyzed nine highland lunar meteorites (lunaites) using mainly INAA. Several of these rocks are difficult to classify. Dhofar 081 is basically a fragmental breccia, but much of its groundmass features a glassy-fluidized texture that is indicative of localized shock melting. Also, much of the matrix glass is swirly-brown, suggesting a possible regolith derivation. We interpret Dar al Gani (DaG) 400 as an extremely immature regolith breccia consisting mainly of impact-melt breccia clasts; we interpret Dhofar 026 as an unusually complex anorthositic impact-melt breccia with scattered ovoid globules that formed as clasts of mafic, subophitic impact melt. The presence of mafic crystalline globules in a lunar material, even one so clearly impact-heated, suggests that it may have originated as a regolith. Our new data and a synthesis of literature data suggest a contrast in Al2O3- incompatible element systematics between impact melts from the central nearside highlands, where Apollo sampling occurred, and those from the general highland surface of the Moon. Impact melts from the general highland surface tend to have systematically lower incompatible element concentration at any given Al2O3 concentration than those from Apollo 16. -
The Tennessee Meteorite Impact Sites and Changing Perspectives on Impact Cratering
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND THE TENNESSEE METEORITE IMPACT SITES AND CHANGING PERSPECTIVES ON IMPACT CRATERING A dissertation submitted by Janaruth Harling Ford B.A. Cum Laude (Vanderbilt University), M. Astron. (University of Western Sydney) For the award of Doctor of Philosophy 2015 ABSTRACT Terrestrial impact structures offer astronomers and geologists opportunities to study the impact cratering process. Tennessee has four structures of interest. Information gained over the last century and a half concerning these sites is scattered throughout astronomical, geological and other specialized scientific journals, books, and literature, some of which are elusive. Gathering and compiling this widely- spread information into one historical document benefits the scientific community in general. The Wells Creek Structure is a proven impact site, and has been referred to as the ‘syntype’ cryptoexplosion structure for the United State. It was the first impact structure in the United States in which shatter cones were identified and was probably the subject of the first detailed geological report on a cryptoexplosive structure in the United States. The Wells Creek Structure displays bilateral symmetry, and three smaller ‘craters’ lie to the north of the main Wells Creek structure along its axis of symmetry. The question remains as to whether or not these structures have a common origin with the Wells Creek structure. The Flynn Creek Structure, another proven impact site, was first mentioned as a site of disturbance in Safford’s 1869 report on the geology of Tennessee. It has been noted as the terrestrial feature that bears the closest resemblance to a typical lunar crater, even though it is the probable result of a shallow marine impact. -
General Disclaimer One Or More of the Following Statements May Affect
General Disclaimer One or more of the Following Statements may affect this Document This document has been reproduced from the best copy furnished by the organizational source. It is being released in the interest of making available as much information as possible. This document may contain data, which exceeds the sheet parameters. It was furnished in this condition by the organizational source and is the best copy available. This document may contain tone-on-tone or color graphs, charts and/or pictures, which have been reproduced in black and white. This document is paginated as submitted by the original source. Portions of this document are not fully legible due to the historical nature of some of the material. However, it is the best reproduction available from the original submission. Produced by the NASA Center for Aerospace Information (CASI) j > COO-382-118 Aff CONDITIONS IN THE EARLY SOLAR SYSTEM, AS INFERRED FROM METEORITES Edward Anders Enrico Fermi Institute and Department of Chemistry University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637 Presented at 4 Nobel Symposium # 21 "From Plasma to Planet" 2526'2j?^^ Saltsjobaden, Sweden September 6-10, 1971 OCT 19> 1 =^ M R ECEIVED N 4 f -PUT epaq t ^^ll 0 ^ 6 °^ NASA Grant NGL 14-001-010 AEC Contract AT(11-1)-382 N7^38 RZa THRU) EFI-71-40 (ACCESSIONJU BE ) (CODE) O ^AGES (CATEGORY) a (NASA CR OR TMX OR AD NUMBER) 10 - 1 - CONDITIONS IN THE EARLY SOLAR SYSTEM, AS INFERRED FROM METEOR MS Edward Anders Enrico Fermi Institute and Department of Chemistry University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637 ABSTRACTm Many properties of meteoritek: suggest that they formed in a cooling gas of solar composition (solar nebula?). -
Silicate-Bearing Iron Meteorites and Their Implications for the Evolution Of
Chemie der Erde 74 (2014) 3–48 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Chemie der Erde j ournal homepage: www.elsevier.de/chemer Invited Review Silicate-bearing iron meteorites and their implications for the evolution of asteroidal parent bodies ∗ Alex Ruzicka Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory, Portland State University, 17 Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97207-0751, United States a r t a b i c s t l r e i n f o a c t Article history: Silicate-bearing iron meteorites differ from other iron meteorites in containing variable amounts of sili- Received 17 July 2013 cates, ranging from minor to stony-iron proportions (∼50%). These irons provide important constraints Accepted 15 October 2013 on the evolution of planetesimals and asteroids, especially with regard to the nature of metal–silicate Editorial handling - Prof. Dr. K. Heide separation and mixing. I present a review and synthesis of available data, including a compilation and interpretation of host metal trace-element compositions, oxygen-isotope compositions, textures, miner- Keywords: alogy, phase chemistries, and bulk compositions of silicate portions, ages of silicate and metal portions, Asteroid differentiation and thermal histories. Case studies for the petrogeneses of igneous silicate lithologies from different Iron meteorites groups are provided. Silicate-bearing irons were formed on multiple parent bodies under different con- Silicate inclusions Collisions ditions. The IAB/IIICD irons have silicates that are mainly chondritic in composition, but include some igneous lithologies, and were derived from a volatile-rich asteroid that underwent small amounts of silicate partial melting but larger amounts of metallic melting. A large proportion of IIE irons contain fractionated alkali-silica-rich inclusions formed as partial melts of chondrite, although other IIE irons have silicates of chondritic composition. -
Monday, September 8, 2014 AWARDS CEREMONY 3:30 P.M. Benguerir Room
77th Annual Meteoritical Society Meeting (2014) sess154.pdf Monday, September 8, 2014 AWARDS CEREMONY 3:30 p.m. Benguerir Room Chairs: Monica Grady Michael Zolensky 3:30 p.m. Leonard Medal Recipient: Roger Hewins Citation: Harold Connolly The Leonard Medal is given to individuals who have made outstanding original contributions to the science of metoriitics or closely allied Fields. This year we honor Roger Hewins for seminal petrologic and experimental studies on the origin of chondrules and, by extension, the mechanisms and environments of formation of these essential building blocks of meteorites and planetary bodies. 3:45 p.m. Barringer Medal Recipient: Alexander Deutsch Citation: Falko Langenhorst The Barringer Medal is given for outstanding work in the field of impact crating. This year we honor Alexander Doutsch for broad contributions to the understanding of impact cratering, and contributions of particular importance in the areas of radiometric dating of terrestrial and lunar impact events, isotopic geochemistry and petrology of impact rocks from terrestrial impact craters, and experiments in shock metamorphism. 4:00 p.m. Nier Prize Recipient: James Martin Dines Day Citation: Frédéric Moynier The Nier Prize is given for sigifican t research in the field of meteoritics and closely related fields by a young scientist under the age of 35. The 2014 Nier Prize will be awarded to James Martin Dines Day for significant contributions to an improved understanding of the late accretion history of the terrestrial planets and smaller planetary bodies of the inner solar system. 4:15 p.m. Service Award Recipient: Roy S. Clarke Jr. Citation: TBD This award honors members who have advanced the goals of the society to promote research and education in meteoritcs and planetary science in way other than by conducting scientific research. -
From the President
Supplement to Meteoritics & Planetary Science, vol. 52, no. 11 The Meteoritical Society Newsletter (November 2017) A report of the business carried out by The Society over the past year, edited by Michael K. Weisberg, Secretary. IN THIS ISSUE From the President Important reminders Annual meetings Please renew your membership before Dec From the Treasurer 15 as the society has to pay the costs of From the Endowment Committee mailing late reminders. Members renewing Publications reports after March 31 incur a $15 surcharge and MAPS GCA risk missing issues of MAPS. You can renew Elements online at From the Nomenclature Committee http://metsoc.meteoriticalsociety.net. From the Membership Committee Nominate your colleagues and students for Awards and honors awards. Nominations for Fellows will be Call for nominations New Fellows to be elected considered this year. Deadlines are in From the Secretary January. See the Awards section for details. Election of new Council Proposals to host the 2022 MetSoc meeting are due in March. Please contact the secretary for procedures. FROM THE PRESIDENT President’s Report membership, and increasingly the commitment of an individual to take ownership of running our Meeting. The annual newsletter provides the President an I can say from experience that this is a somewhat opportunity to reflect on matters of interest to Society daunting task, but for those of us who have done it, it Members. First off I would like to thank Past has been a complete privilege and the memories President Mike Zolensky for all his hard work in generated go far beyond science, but are more akin to keeping the Society moving forward. -
FOREWORD Dorota Glowacka
FOREWORD Dorota Glowacka Try to look. Just try and see. —Charlotte Delbo, None of Us Will Return Charlotte Delbo penned her memoir None of Us Will Return to commemorate 230 women with whom she had been trans- ported from Drancy to Auschwitz-Birkenau on 24 January 1943. As one of only forty-nine members of the convoy who had “returned,” most of them French political prisoners, Delbo made a commitment to preserve the memory of her martyred comrades. With the images of tortured and dying women in- delibly seared in her mind, her narrative is punctuated with the refrain, “Try to look. Just try and see” (Essayez de regarder. Essayez pour voir).1 Delbo’s compassionate desire to see trans- forms her descriptions of horror and humiliation into a work of mourning and into an injunction that those who come after bear witness to what happened to her friends. Nowhere has similar commitment to an ethics of testimo- nial gaze been expressed with more lucidity, eloquence, and passion than in On the Death of Jews. Straddling the boundary between historical inquiry and personal refl ection, this extraor- dinary text unfolds as a series of encounters with eponymic Holocaust photographs. Although only a small number of pho- tographs are reproduced here, Fresco provides evocative de- scriptions of many well-known images: synagogues and Torah scrolls burning on the night of Kristallnacht; deportations to the ghettos and the camps; and, fi nally, mass executions in the killing fi elds of Eastern Europe. The unique set of photographs included in On the Death of Jews shows groups of women and children from Liepaja (Liepa ¯ja), shortly before they were killed On the Death of Jews Photographs and History Nadine Fresco https://www.berghahnbooks.com/title/FrescoOn viii FOREWORD in December 1941 in the dunes of Shkede (Šk,e¯de) on the Baltic Sea. -
Global Catastrophes in Earth History
GLOBAL CATASTROPHES IN EARTH HISTORY An Interdisciplinary Conference on Impacts, Volcanism, and Mass Mortality Snowbird, Utah October 20-23, 1988 N89-2 12E7 --?HEW- Sponsored by The Lunar and Planetary Institute and The National Academy of Sciences Abstracts Presented to the Topical Conference Global Catastrophes in Earth History: An Interdisciplinary Conference on Impacts, Volcanism, and Mass Mortality Snowbird, Utah October 20 - 23,1988 Sponsored by Lunar and Planetary Institute and The National Academy of Sciences LPI Contribution No. 673 Compiled in 1988 Lunar and Planetary Institute Material in this volume may be copied without restraint for library, abstract service, educational, or personal research purposes; however, republication of any paper or portion thereof requires the written permission of the authors as well as appropriate acknowledgment of this publication. PREFACE This volume contains abstracts that have been accepted for presentation at the topical conference Global Catastrophes in Earth History: An Interdisciplinary Conference on Impacts, Volcanism and Mass Mortality. The Organizing Committee consisted of Robert Ginsburg, Chairman, University of Miami; Kevin Burke, Lunar and Planetary Institute; Lee M. Hunt, National Research Council; Digby McLaren, University of Ottawa; Thomas Simkin, National Museum of Natural History; Starley L. Thompson, National Center for Atmospheric Research; Karl K. Turekian, Yale University; George W. Wetherill, Carnegie Institution of Washington. Logistics and administrative support were provided by the Projects Ofice at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. This abstract volume was prepared by the Publications Office staff at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. The Lunar and Planetary Institute is operated by the Universities Space Research Association under contract No. NASW-4066 with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. -
Ejection of Martian Meteorites
Meteoritics & Planetary Science 40, Nr 9/10, 1393–1411 (2005) Abstract available online at http://meteoritics.org Ejection of Martian meteorites Jˆrg FRITZ1*, Natalia ARTEMIEVA2, and Ansgar GRESHAKE1 1Institut f¸r Mineralogie, Museum f¸r Naturkunde, Humboldt-Universit‰t zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany 2Institute for Dynamics of Geospheres, Russian Academy of Science, Leninsky Prospect 38, Building 1, Moscow 119334, Russia *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] (Received 29 March 2005; revision accepted 11 April 2005) Abstract–We investigated the transfer of meteorites from Mars to Earth with a combined mineralogical and numerical approach. We used quantitative shock pressure barometry and thermodynamic calculations of post-shock temperatures to constrain the pressure/temperature conditions for the ejection of Martian meteorites. The results show that shock pressures allowing the ejection of Martian meteorites range from 5 to 55 GPa, with corresponding post-shock temperature elevations of 10 to about 1000 °C. With respect to shock pressures and post-shock temperatures, an ejection of potentially viable organisms in Martian surface rocks seems possible. A calculation of the cooling time in space for the most highly shocked Martian meteorite Allan Hills (ALH) 77005 was performed and yielded a best-fit for a post-shock temperature of 1000 °C and a meteoroid size of 0.4 to 0.6 m. The final burial depths of the sub-volcanic to volcanic Martian rocks as indicated by textures and mineral compositions of meteorites are in good agreement with the postulated size of the potential source region for Martian meteorites during the impact of a small projectile (200 m), as defined by numerical modeling (Artemieva and Ivanov 2004). -
Geological and Geochemical Data from the Proposed Sirente Crater Field: New Age Dating and Evidence for Heating of Target
Meteoritics & Planetary Science 41, Nr 9, 1331–1345 (2006) Abstract available online at http://meteoritics.org Geological and geochemical data from the proposed Sirente crater field: New age dating and evidence for heating of target Jens ORMÖ1*, Christian KOEBERL2, Angelo Pio ROSSI3, 4, and Goro KOMATSU3 1Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC/INTA), Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial, Ctra de Torrejón a Ajalvir, km 4, 28850 Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain 2Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria 3International Research School of Planetary Sciences, Universita d’Annunzio, Viale Pindaro 42, 65127 Pescara, Italy 4ESA Research and Scientific Support Department, Keplerlaan 1, Postbus 299, ESTEC/SCI-SB, 2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] (Received 23 February 2006; revision accepted 05 July 2006) Abstract–The proposed Sirente crater field consists of a slightly oblong main structure (main crater) 120 m in width and about 30 smaller structures (satellite craters), all in unconsolidated but stiff carbonate mud. Here we focus on the subsurface structure of the satellite craters and compare the Sirente field with known meteorite crater fields. We present a more complete outline of the crater field than previously reported, information on the subsurface morphology of a satellite crater (C8) 8 m in width, radiocarbon and thermoluminescence (TL) ages of material from this crater, and evidence for heated material in both crater C8 and the rim of the main crater. Crater C8 has a funnel shape terminating downwards, and evidence for soil injection from the surface to a depth of 9 m.