Masters Theses
Keywords and Phrases
Chondrite; Geochemistry; Mars; Meteorites; Vesta
Abstract
“This study investigates the major, minor, and trace element compositions of minerals from a series of meteorites which represent different stages of planetary evolution including two sample from Mars (ALHA 77005 and NWA 7397), one sample from Vesta (NWA 5480), and one ordinary chondrite (Ausson). The goal of this study is to investigate if petrogenetic tracers commonly employed to understand terrestrial samples can also be applied to extraterrestrial samples. The data presented here show that mineral trace element data allow for novel insight into the magmatic history of meteorite samples. For example, V/Sc and Fe/Mn ratios in olivine provide insight into the parent magma redox conditions during olivine crystallization. The results also show that high Ge contents in olivine ( > 2 ppm) are indicative of volatile-rich parent magmas as seen in the chondrite. Calcium vs the forsterite content of olivine increases with pressure suggesting that this is related to the different stages of planetary evolution, similar to the secular increase in Ca in komatiitic olivine between 2.7 and 0.9 Ga. Chondrite normalizing rare earth element and Bulk Silicate Earth normalized trace element signatures yield distinct patterns that can be used to constrain geodynamic environments, similar to the approach commonly applied to Earth; however, differences in plate tectonic style between various planets and protoplanets must be taken into account. Integration of all data collected during this study shows that the meteorites are similar to terrestrial basalts. This observation is important as some of the meteorites studied here were previously characterized as more ultramafic. Based on the findings of this study, more mafic classifications are suggested for these meteorite samples”--Abstract, page iii.
Advisor(s)
Locmelis, Marek
Committee Member(s)
Wronkiewicz, David J.
Gertsch, Leslie S.
Department(s)
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Degree Name
M.S. in Geology and Geophysics
Publisher
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Publication Date
Summer 2020
Pagination
x, 95 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes bibliographic references (pages 87-40).
Rights
© 2020 Kaylin Agnata Tunnell, All rights reserved.
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Thesis Number
T 11888
Recommended Citation
Tunnell, Kaylin Agnata, "Mineral compositions of meteorite samples ALHA 77005, NWA 7397, NWA 5480, and Ausson: Implications for geodynamic processes on their parent bodies and meteorite reclassification" (2020). Masters Theses. 8009.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/8009
