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Sub-Zero Alteration in an Isotopically Heavy Brine Preserved in a Pristine H Chondrite Xenolith

Authors :
Frank, D. R
Huss, G. R
Nagashima, K
Zolensky, M. E
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
United States: NASA Center for Aerospace Information (CASI), 2020.

Abstract

Introduction: Brecciated H chondrites host a variety of xenoliths, including unshocked, phyllo- silicate-rich carbonaceous chondrites (CCs). The brecciated H chondrite Zag (H3-6) is one of two chondrites to host macroscopic (1 - 5mm), xenolithic crystals of halite (NaCl) with aqueous fluid inclusions and organics. A ~1cm CC xenolith in Zag (Zag clast) has mineralogy similar to CI chondrites, but it has a unique bulk oxygen isotopic composition among all meteorites (Δ(exp 17)O = 1.49 ± 0.04 ‰, δ(exp 18)O = 22.38 ± 0.17 ‰). The Zag clast encloses halite in its matrix, linking the coarse, matrix halite and the xenolith to the same parent object, suggested to be hydrovolcanically active. Its bulk C and N contents are the highest among chondrites and bulk δ(exp 15)N is similar to CR chondrites and Bells. Insoluble organic material (IOM) in the Zag clast has δD and δ(exp 15)N “hotspots”, also similar to CR chondrites and Bells (C2-ung.). We provide further isotopic characterization of the Zag clast to constrain the formation temperature and origin of its primary and secondary components.

Subjects

Subjects :
Space Sciences (General)

Details

Language :
English
Database :
NASA Technical Reports
Notes :
NNX15AF77G
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsnas.20200001832
Document Type :
Report