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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS1993

Petrologic study of the Belgica 7904 carbonaceous chondrite - Hydrous alteration, oxygen isotopes, and relationship to CM and CI chondrites

The genetic relationships between the petrology, hydration reactions, and isotopic oxygen composition in the Belgica 7904 (B7904) carbonaceous chondrite, and the relationship between B7904 and the CM and CI chondrites were investigated by characterizing seven components separated from B7904. The seven specimens included two partially altered chondrules, two phylosilicate clasts, two olivine fragments, and one matrix sample. The results of the analyses and thermodynamic calculations suggest that CI chondrites may have been produced in a two-stage alteration process from materials similar to that of the B7904 matrix, by reactions with liquid water in their parent body. The common CM chondrites may have undergone aqueous alteration in the parent body, in addition to hydration in the nebula, resulting in two-stage alterations; the parent body may have been different from that of B7904.

Ikeda, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The matrices of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites - Implications for the origin and history of chondrites

The matrices of 16 unequilibrated chondrites were examined by optical microscopy, an electron microprobe, and a scanning electron microscope. The fine-grained, opaque, silicate matrix of type 3 unequilibrated chondrites was compositionally, mineralogically, and texturally different from the chondrules and their fragments; it may be the low temperature condensate proposed by Larimer and Anders (1967, 1970). Each meteorite has been metamorphosed by a combination of processes including thermal metamorphism and the passage of shock waves; the appearance of each chondrite results from the temperature and pressure conditions which formed it, and subsequent metamorphic alterations.

Huss, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

First known EL5 chondrite - Evidence for dual genetic sequence for enstatite chondrites

The compositionally distinct EH and EL groups together with four (3-6) petrologic types which constitute the enstatite chondrites represent increasing degrees of metamorphic alteration. Although bulk composition variations preclude a simple conversion of EH4 into EL6 material, complex models which involve simultaneous bulk composition and petrologic type variations may be implied by other classification schemes in common use. Attention is presently given to the discovery of the first EL5 chondrite, which breaks the EH3,4-EH5-EL6 sequence and indicates that the enstatite chondrites constitute the two discrete, isochemical metamorphic sequences EH3-5 and EL5-6.

Sears, D. W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Mineralogy and matrix composition of CR chondrites Renazzo and EET 87770, and ungrouped chondrites Essebi and MAC 87300

The fine-grained mineralogy of the matrix of two CR chondrites, Renazzo and EET 87770, and the ungrouped (but possible related) Essebi and MAC 87300 chondrites was characterized using standard microprobe (focussed beam) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques (using ultramicrotomed sections). These results are compared to previously obtained results for 31 other carbonaceous chondrites.

Zolensky, Michael E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

CI chondrite-like clasts in the Nilpena polymict ureilite - Implications for aqueous alteration processes in CI chondrites

Petrographic studies of Nilpena polymict ureilite have revealed the presence of small quantities of carbonaceous chondrite matrix clasts. Detailed electron microprobe and TEM studies show that the chemistry and fine-scale mineralogy of one of these clasts is consistent with CI carbonaceous chondrite matrix. Compared to Orgeuil, the phyllosilicate, sulfide, and oxide mineralogy suggests that the Nilpena clasts may represent a less altered type of CI matrix. It is suggested that increased oxidation and aqueous alteration of Nilpena-type materials could result in the formation of the type of mineral assemblage observed in Orgueil. Increased alteration produces progressive more Mg-rich phyllosilicates and more Fe(3+)-rich iron oxides, such as ferrihydrite. As a function of increased alteration, Ca is also progressively leached from the matrix material to form carbonate veins. The depletion of Ca in CI chondrite matrices suggests the Ivuna and Alais may be intermediate in their degree of alteration to Nilpena and Orgueil.

Brearley, Adrian J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Chemical and physical studies of chondrites. X - Cathodoluminescence and phase composition studies of metamorphism and nebular processes in chondrules of type 3 ordinary chondrites

The cathodoluminescence (CL) characteristics of eight type-3 ordinary chondrites and one L5 chondrite were investigated with particular emphasis on detailed compositions of the relevant phases in four of these chondrites: Semarkona (type-3.0); Krymka (3.1); Allan Hills A77214 (3.5); and Dhajala (3.8). By sorting the chondrules into eight groups according to the CL of mesostasis and to certain compositional criteria and by determining the number of chondrules in these groups as a function of petrological type, it was possible to deduce genetic/evolutionary sequences of the chondrules. It is shown that there are major compositional differences in chondrules, which account for their CL properties and the chondrule groups.

Dehart, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Breakup and structure of an H-chondrite parent body - The H-chondrite flux over the last million years

Two distinct groups of H chondrites are identified which have respectively induced thermoluminescence peak temperatures above 190 C (AC) and below 190 C (BC). Metallographic cooling rate determinations confirm that the AC group cools at very high rates relative to the latter group. The AC group members have cosmic ray exposure ages of about 8 Myr. Antarctic meteorite of the BC group have cosmic ray exposure ages greater than 20 Myr. Modern H-chondrite falls, which are all of the BC group, have cosmic ray exposure ages of 8 and above 20 Myr. The data show that the abundance of the AC group is directly related to terrestrial age. It is suggested that both the AC group and part of BC group were produced by an impact event at approximately 8 Myr and that the small sizes of the AC group made them prone to destruction, allowing the BC group to dominate the modern H-chondrite flux.

Benoit, Paul H.↗
NASA NTRS2016

C Chondrite Clasts in H Chondrite Regolith Breccias: Something Different

Zag (H3-6) and Monahans (1998) (H5) are regolith breccias that contain 4.5 GY old halite crystals which in turn contain abundant inclusions of aqueous fluids, solids and organics [1-4]. We have previously proposed that these halites originated on a hydro-volcanically-active C-class asteroid, probably Ceres [3-7]. We have begun a detailed analysis of the included solids and organics and are re-examining the related carbonaceous (C)) chondrite clast we previously reported in Zag [5-7]. These new investigations will potentially reveal the mineralogy of asteroid Ceres. We report here on potentially identical C chondrite clasts in the H chondrite regolith breccias Tsukuba (H5-6) and Carancas (H4-5). The clast in Tsukuba was known before [8], but the Carancas clast is newly recognized.

Zolensky, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites. II Thermoluminescence of sixteen type 3 ordinary chondrites and relationships with oxygen isotopes

Thermoluminescence (TL) sensitivity values for sixteen type 3 ordinary chondrites, fourteen of them from Antarctica, have been measured. The values obtained (normalized to the TL sensitivity of the Dhajala meteorite) range from 1.6 (Allan Hills A77216) to 0.010 (Allan Hills A77176), and include two (Reckling Peak A80207 and Allan Hills A77176) that are particularly low. They fill a hiatus in the TL distribution that previously existed between St. Mary's County and Bishunpur, the latter being a meteorite with one of the lowest TL sensitivities known. The histogram of TL sensitivity values now shows a single distribution with higher values preferred; it resembles the histogram for L chondrites occupying the petrologic types 3, 4, 5, and 6. There is a tendency for the TL sensitivity of meteorites to decrease as delta O-18 increases. Theoretically, it is possible that the range of delta O-18 values observed may reflect progressive loss of O in the form of CO at very low temperatures, but very restrictive physical conditions and a complex history seem to be required.

Sears, D. W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Al-rich objects in ordinary chondrites - Related origin of carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites and their constituents

A description is given of 169 Al-rich objects (arbitrarily defined as having 10 wt pct or more of Al2O3) from 24 ordinary chondrites of types 3 and 4, five regolith breccias containing unequilibrated material, the unique meteorite Kakangari, and a few ordinary chondrites of types 5 and 6. On the basis of shape and texture, the Al-rich objects are divided into chondrules (round, with igneous textures), irregularly shaped inclusions (similar to type F and spinel-rich complex Ca-Al-rich inclusions), and fragments (probably fragments of Al-rich chondrules and inclusions). For descriptive purposes, the Al-rich chondrules are further subdivided into compositional subgroups, although they are entirely transitional.

Bischoff, A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites. III Chondrules from the Dhajala H3.8 chondrite

Thermoluminescence (TL) properties have been measured in 58 chondrules separated from the Dhajala H3.8 chondrite. The pyrolytic chondrules are noted to have higher mass-normalized TL values than nonpyrolytic ones. Significant correlations are noted between log(TL) and the bulk CaO, Al2O3, and MnO content of the chondrules. These, together with correlations of log(TL) with the CaO, Al2O3, SiO2 and normative anorthite content of the chondrule glass, indicate an association of the TL and the abundance and position of mesostasis. It is suggested that the TL level in a given chondrule is governed by its bulk composition and metamorphism, and it is hypothesized that the devitrification resistance of unequilibrated chondrule mesostasis explains the unequilibration of certain chondrules in type 3 ordinary chondrites.

Sears, D. W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A refractory inclusion in the Kaba CV3 chondrite - Some implications for the origin of spinel-rich objects in chondrites

The first detailed petrographic and mineralogical study of a Ca, Al-rich inclusion (CAI) from the Kaba CV3 chondrite is reported. This 'fine-grained' CAI contains abundant small, rounded, rimmed, spinel-rich objects which have important features in common with the spinel-rich objects in other carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites. These nodules are interpreted as fractionated distillation residues of primitive dust. However, the available data do not unambiguously rule out a condensation origin for at least some of these objects. Finally, the preservation of distinct diopside-hedenbergite rims on the spinel-rich bodies and the small grain size of many minerals in the CAI matrix material both suggest that the CAI accreted cool and had a relatively cool thermal history in the Kaba parent body.

Fegley, B., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites. IX - Thermoluminescence and hydrothermal annealing experiments and their relationship to metamorphism and aqueous alteration in type below 3.3 ordinary chondrites

Thermoluminescence (TL) properties were measured in samples of four type-3.0 chondrites annealed at 400-850 C and 0.77-1 kbar in the presence of various amounts of water and sodium disilicate. Several changes recorded in TL characteristics, such as the lowering of TL sensitivity in certain samples, its increase in other samples, and changes in the peak position and peak width of TL suggested the occurrence of metamorphic processes in these samples. It is suggested that, for the chondrite types above 3.2, the observed changes in TL are consistent with the TL-metamorphism trends, being due to the formation of feldspar by the devitrification of chondrule glass during metamorphism. For types below 3.2, the TL data are consistent with the hypothesis that these chondrules experienced lower levels of metamorphism than the higher types or, alternatively, with the hypothesis that the type 3.0 chondrules are being produced from higher types by aqueous alteration.

Guimon, R. Kyle↗
NASA NTRS1989

Chondrules in the Sharps H3 chondrite - Evidence for intergroup compositional differences among ordinary chondrite chondrules

Bulk compositions of 19 chondrules and one matrix-rich sample from H3.4 Sharps were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Samples were characterized petrographically, and mineral compositions were determined by electron microprobe analysis. There is constancy among ordinary chondrite (OC) groups in the compositional interrelationships of different chondrule types; e.g., in H3 as well as L3 and LL3 chondrites, porphyritic chondrules are more refractory than nonporphyritic chondrules. Precursor components of H3 chondrules are closely related to those of LL3 chondrules. The mean Ir/Ni, Ir/Co, and Ir/Au ratios of H3 chondrules differ from the corresponding ratios of LL3 chondrules at the 99, 90, and 79 percent confidence levels, respectively. The ratios in H3 chondrules exceed those in LL3 chondrules by amounts similar to those by which H whole-rocks exceed LL whole-rocks. These data suggest that there are primary systematic differences in bulk composition between H and LL chondrules. These differences support the inference that chondrule formation occurred after major nebular fractionation events had established the observed bulk compositional differences among OC groups.

Rubin, Alan E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Lea County 001, an H5 chondrite, and Lea County 002, an ungrouped type 3 chondrite

A search of active deflation basins near Jal, Lea County, New Mexico resulted in the discovery of two meteorites, Lea County 001 and 002. Lea County 001 has mean olivine and low-Ca pyroxene compositions of Fa(19) and Fs(17), respectively. These and all other mineralogical and petrological data collected indicate a classification of H5 for this stone. Lea County 002 has mean olivine and low-Ca pyroxene compositions of Fa(2) and Fs(4), and is unequilibrated. Although it is mineralogically most similar to Kakangari and chondritic clasts within Cumberland Falls, the high modal amount of forsterite makes Lea County a unique type 3 chondrite. Oxygen isotope data for Lea County 002 fall on an 0-16-mixing line through those of the enstatite meteorites and IAB irons, a feature shared by Kakangari.

Zolensky, Michael E.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Forsteritic Olivine Grains in Unequilibrated Ordinary Chondrites: Additional Evidence for a Link Between Ordinary and Carbonaceous Chondrites

We report mineral-chemical and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) oxygen-isotopic studies of forsteritic olivine grains from various Unequilibrated Ordinary Chondrites (UOCs). Our studies provide additional evidence for a genetic link between ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites and between various lithologies in these meteorites.

Ruzicka, A.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Postshock Annealing and Postannealing Shock in Equilibrated Ordinary Chondrites: Implications for the Thermal and Shock Histories of Chondritic Asteroids

In addition to shock effects in olivine, plagioclase, orthopyroxene and Ca-pyroxene, petrographic shock indicators in equilibrated ordinary chondrites (OC) include chromite veinlets, chromite-plagioclase assemblages, polycrystalline troilite, metallic Cu, irregularly shaped troilite grains within metallic Fe-Ni, rapidly solidified metal-sulfide intergrowths, martensite and various types of plessite, metal-sulfide veins, large metal and/or sulfide nodules, silicate melt veins, silicate darkening, low-Ca clinopyroxene, silicate melt pockets, and large regions of silicate melt. The presence of some of these indicators in every petrologic type-4 to -6 ordinary chondrite (OC) demonstrates that collisional events caused all equilibrated OC to reach shock stages S3-S6. Those type-4 to -6 OC that are classified as shock-stage S1 (on the basis of sharp optical extinction in olivine) underwent postshock annealing due to burial beneath materials heated by the impact event. Those type-4 to -6 OC that are classified S2 (on the basis of undulose extinction and lack of planar fractures in olivine) were shocked to stage S3-S6, annealed to stage S1 and then shocked again to stage S2. Some OC were probably shocked to stage 253 after annealing. It seems likely that many OC experienced multiple episodes of shock and annealing. Because 40Ar-39Ar chronological data indicate that MIL 99301 (LL6, Sl) was annealed approximately 4.26 Ga ago, presumably as a consequence of a major impact, it seems reasonable to suggest that other equilibrated S1 and S2 OC (which contain relict shock features) were also annealed by impacts. Because some type-6 S1 OC (e.g., Guarena, Kernouve, Portales Valley, all of which contain relict shock features) were annealed 4.44-4.45 Ga ago (during a period when impacts were prevalent and most OC were thermally metamorphosed), it follows that impact-induced annealing could have contributed significantly to OC thermal metamorphism.

Rubin, Alan E.↗