Abstract

The effects of chemical weathering on the Holbrook, Arizona chondrite were studied via major, minor, and trace element analysis along with noble gas measurements. Three samples of Holbrook were studied: a fresh specimen which fell in 1912, a specimen collected in 1931 and a specimen collected in 1968. The weathering of the meteorite produced changes in the Fe and Mg concentrations. The amount of metallic iron decreases with increasing degree of weathering. The MgO content decreases and the total iron content increases slightly with increasing weathering of the specimen, but these concentration differences are not necessarily due to weathering. Elemental concentrations for Ti, Ca, Al, P, Mn, Ni and Cr did not change significantly during weathering. Sodium may have been lost during weathering, whereas K showed a slight enrichment in abundance with terrestrial age. Trace elements C, Rb and Sr increased at least two‐fold during weathering of the meteorite. Abundances of the radiogenic and cosmogenic noble gases decreased with increasing terrestrial age. Concentration ratios of certain cosmogenic noble gas nuclides which are commonly used as indicators of gas loss and shielding in chondrites show unpredictable behavior in the weathered chondrite.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.