Pearson, Victoria K.; Sephton, M. and Gilmour, Iain
(2006).
| URL: | http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/arizona/maps... |
|---|---|
| Google Scholar: | Look up in Google Scholar |
Abstract
The CR group of carbonaceous chondrites may represent some of the most primitive extraterrestrial materials available for analysis. However, in contrast to other chondrite groups, the CR organic fraction is poorly characterized. The carbonaceous chondrite literature shows that relatively anhydrous thermal processing results in a condensed, poorly alkylated, O-poor macromolecular material, while for aqueous processing the converse is true. Such characteristics can be used to discern the alteration histories of the carbonaceous chondrites. We have performed bulk elemental and isotopic analysis and flash pyrolysis on four CR chondrites (Renazzo, Al Rais, Elephant Moraine [EET] 87770, and Yamato [Y-] 790112) to determine the nature of their organic component.
Renazzo, Al Rais, and Y-790112 release qualitatively similar pyrolysis products, although there are some variations. Al Rais' macromolecular structure contains substantially higher relative abundances of alkylated and oxidized species and relatively lighter δ15N, suggesting that it has endured more extensive aqueous processing than the other CR chondrites. Renazzo appears relatively unprocessed, with a low degree of alkylation, a lack of detectable nitrogen-bearing components, and low methylnaphthalene ratio. EET 87770's low abundance of alkylated species suggests its macromolecular structure may be relatively condensed, with condensation potentially assisted by a period of mild thermal alteration.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1086-9379 |
| Academic Unit/Department: | Science > Life, Health and Chemical Sciences Science > Physical Sciences |
| Interdisciplinary Research Centre: | Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) |
| Item ID: | 6043 |
| Depositing User: | Iain Gilmour |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Dec 2006 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Dec 2010 19:55 |
| URI: | http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/6043 |
Actions (login may be required)
| View Item | |
| Public: Report issue / request change |