Chemical characteristics and origin of H chondrite regolith breccias

Abstract

We report petrologic data and contents of Ag, Bi, Cd, Co, Cs, Ga. In, Rb, Se, Te, Tl and Zn-trace elements spanning the volatility/mobility range-in light and dark portions of H chondrite regolith breccias and L chondrite fragmental breccias. The chemical/petrologic characteristics of H chondrite regolith breccias differ from those of non-brecciated chondrites or fragmentai breccias. Petrologic characteristics and at least some trace element contents of H chondrite regolith breccias reflect primary processes; contents of the most volatile/mobile elements may reflect either primary or secondary processing, possibly within layered H chondrite parent object(s). Chemical/petrologic differences existed in different regions of the parents). Regolith formation and gardening and meteoroid compaction were not so severe as to alter compositions markedly.