RECOVERY AND CLASSIFICATION OF THIRTY NEW METEORITES FROM ROOSEVELT COUNTY,NEW MEXICO

We report the discovery and classification of 30 new meteorites found in or close to Roosevelt County, New Mexico, including two H3 chondrites and a ureilite; the others are equilibrated ordinary chondrites. Over 160 meteorites representing at least 100 different falls have been recovered from this region, mostly from wind blowout areas. As in Antarctica, small specimens predominate and irons, achondrites and C and E chondrites are rare. Paired specimens are also very difficult to identify.     

The age of the meteorite recovery surfaces of Roosevelt County,New Mexico,USA

Abstract— We have obtained minimum age estimates for the sand units underlying the two largest meteorite deflation surfaces in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, USA, using thermoluminescence dating techniques. The dates obtained ranged from 53.5 (±5.4) to 95.2 (±9.5) ka, and must be considered lower limits for the terrestrial ages of the meteorites found within these specific deflation surfaces. These ages greatly exceed previous measurements from adjacent meteorite-producing deflation basins. We find that Roosevelt County meteorites are probably terrestrial contemporaries of the meteorites found at most accumulation zones in Antarctica. The apparent high meteorite accumulation rate reported for Roosevelt County by Zolensky et al. (1990) is incorrect, as it used an age of 16 ka for all Roosevelt County recovery surfaces. We conclude that the extreme variability of terrestrial ages of the Roosevelt County deflation surfaces effectively precludes their use for calculations of the meteorite accumulation rate at the Earth's surface.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 83, 1999 July

Abstract— Meteoritical Bulletin No. 83 lists information for 898 newly described meteorites. These include 473 from Antarctica, 341 from the Sahara, and 22 from dry lakes in the southwestern United States. Seven of the meteorites are falls: Kunya-Urgench (H5), Lohawat (howardite), Ourique (H4), Portales Valley (H6), San Pedro de Quiles (L6), Talampaya (eucrite), and Zag (H3-6). Also included are a dozen new iron meteorites; several mesosiderites; a pallasite; several HED meteorites; several ureilites; a variety of CM, CO, CV, CR, and R chondrites; and numerous unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. All shock classifications are after Stöffler et al. (1991) and weathering grades are after Wlotzka (1993), except as noted. All italicized abbreviations refer to addresses tabulated at the end of this document.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 82, 1998 July

Abstract— Meteoritical Bulletin No. 82 lists information for 974 new meteorites, including 521 finds from Antarctica, 401 finds from the Sahara, 21 finds from the Nullarbor region of Australia, and 7 falls (Ban Rong Du, Burnwell, Fermo, Jalanash, Juancheng, Monahans (1998), and Silao). Many rare types of meteorites are reported: counting pairing groups as one, these include one CR chondrite, two CK chondrites, two CO chondrites, four CV chondrites, one CH chondrite or Bencubbin-like, six C2 (unclassified) chondrites, two EH chondrites, two EL chondrites, three R chondrites, thirty unequilibrated ordinary chondrites, one un-grouped chondrite, three eucrites, six howardites, one diogenite, eleven ureilites, nine iron meteorites, one mesosiderite, two brachinites, one lodranite, one winonaite, and two lunar meteorites (Dar al Gani 400 and EET 96008). All italicized abbreviations refer to addresses tabulated at the end of this document.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 74, 1993 March.*

Abstract— The Meteoritical Bulletin, Number 74, contains listings for 190 meteorites, including 112 from North Africa, 63 from Antarctica and eight from Australia and six from the U.S. Among the meteorites described are 15 type 3 ordinary chondrites, most notably Roosevelt County 075 which is the lowest petrologic type H chondrite known to date, two very similar ureilites (Nova 1 and Nullarbor 010), a howardite (Old Homestead 001), a CK3 chondrite (Camel Donga 003), a CV3 chondrite (Denman 002) and a major new CR chondrite (Acfer 311 and 10 meteorites with which it is paired).     

A CENSUS OF THE METEORITES OF ROOSEVELT COUNTY,NEW MEXICO

In the five years from June, 1967, to June, 1972, a total of 99 meteorites were found in Roosevelt County, New Mexico and in adjoining Curry County. Of this number, 74 were found by one man. The finds include two achondrites, one pallasite, one carbonaceous chondrite, and 95 chondrites. They appear to represent more than 50 separate meteorite falls. The finding of a large number of meteorites in a small area provides data for an estimate of the probable quantity and average size of the meteorite specimens reaching the earth. The problems involved in allocating a total of 17 available local place names among more than 50 meteorite falls are discussed.     

TIBOOBURRA,A NEW AUSTRALIAN METEORITE FIND,AND OTHER CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITES OF HIGH PETROLOGIC GRADE

Tibooburra, a new meteorite find from western New South Wales, belongs to the Vigarano subgroup of the carbonaceous chondrites and, on the basis of its opaque mineralogy, appears to be oxidised. Petrological evidence suggests that, like the Allende meteorite, Tibooburra is a CV3 chondrite which has experienced greater metamorphic effects than other CV3 meteorites. Tibooburra has a bulk composition intermediate between the CO and less altered CV chondrites. This transitional nature is exhibited by several elements and is convincingly displayed by the multivariate techniques of cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Tibooburra thus resembles several other CV chondrites, such as Coolidge and Karoonda, which have been strongly metamorphosed. This group of meteorites is believed to have accreted early in the history of the Vigarano parent body and, as a result, contain greater quantities of high temperature Ca-Al-rich inclusions but less low temperature matrix and volatile phases than other CV chondrites. Furthermore, in these meteorites both the matrix and magnesium silicate phases appear to be more iron rich than those in later accreted meteorites. Subsequently, these deeper seated meteorites have undergone more pronounced thermal metamorphism than those located in shallower portions of the parent body.     

The natural thermoluminescence of meteorites VI: Carbon-14, thermoluminescence and the terrestrial ages of meteorites

Abstract Research on meteorite finds, especially those from the Antarctic and from desert regions in Australia, Africa, and America, has become increasingly important, notably in studies of possible changes in the nature of the meteorite flux in the past. One important piece of information needed in the study of such meteorites is their terrestrial age which can be determined using a variety of methods, including ¹⁴C, ³⁶Cl, and ⁸¹Kr. Natural thermoluminescence (TL) levels in meteorites can also be used as an indicator of terrestrial age. In this paper, we compare ¹⁴C-determined terrestrial ages with natural TL levels in finds from the Prairie States (central United States), a group of finds from Roosevelt County (New Mexico, USA), and a group from the Sahara Desert. We find that, in general, the natural TL data are compatible with the ¹⁴C-derived terrestrial ages using a 20 °C TL decay curve for the Prairie States and Roosevelt County and a 30 °C decay curve for the Saharan meteorites. We also present TL data for a group of meteorites from the Sahara desert which has not been studied using cosmogenic radionuclides. Within these data there are distinct terrestrial age clusters which probably reflect changes in meteorite preservation efficiency over ～ 15, 000 years in the region.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 97

Abstract– In this edition of The Meteoritical Bulletin, a total of 506 newly approved meteorite names with their relevant data are reported. These include 354 from northwest Africa, 31 from the Americas, 15 from Antarctica (Koreamet), 85 from Asia, 20 from Australia, and 1 from Europe. Among these meteorites are 2 falls, Grimsby (Canada) and Santa Lucia (2008) (Argentina). Also described are a CM with low degree of alteration, new ungrouped chondrites and achondrites, and 4 Martian meteorites.     

CLASSIFICATION OF TWENTY-SIX CHONDRITES FROM ROOSEVELT COUNTY,NEW MEXICO

Twenty-six of the fifty-seven stone meteorites listed in Huss (1979) from Roosevelt County, New Mexico, have been classified in the present study. Microprobe analyses indicate 15 H type, 9 L type and 2 LL type chondrites. Based on compositional, textural, and locational comparisons, as many as 10 chondrites may be paired to three distinct falls.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,no. 108

Meteoritical Bulletin 108 contains 2141 meteorites including 12 falls (Aguas Zarcas, Benenitra, Jalangi, Komaki, Ksar El Goraane, Mhabes el Hamra, Natun Balijan, Oued Sfayat, Shidian, Taqtaq‐e Rasoul, Tocache, Viñales), with 1640 ordinary chondrites, 149 carbonaceous chondrites, 134 HED achondrites, 45 lunar meteorites, 38 ureilites, 27 iron meteorites, 23 Martian meteorites, 22 primitive achondrites, 19 Rumuruti chondrites, 15 mesosiderites, 10 enstatite chondrites, 7 ungrouped achondrites, 4 pallasites, 4 ungrouped chondrites, and 4 angrites. Nine hundred and nine meteorites are from Africa, 747 from Antarctica, 279 from South America, 148 from Asia, 29 from North America, 18 from Oceania, 6 from Europe (including 2 from Russia), and 5 from unknown locations.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 107

Meteoritical Bulletin 107 contains 2714 meteorites including 16 falls (Aba Panu, Ablaketka, Andila, Gueltat Zemmour, Hamburg, Karimati, Mahbas Arraid, Mangui, Mazichuan, Mukundpura, Ozerki, Parauapebas, Renchen, San Pedro de Urabá, Sokoto, Tintigny), with 2226 ordinary chondrites, 168 HED achondrites, 132 carbonaceous chondrites (including 41 CM, 34 CV, 26 CO, 21 CK, 4 CR, 5 ungrouped), 43 ureilites, 30 iron meteorites (including 2 ungrouped), 29 lunar meteorites, 22 Martian meteorites, 16 primitive achondrites (including 3 brachinites), 12 Rumuruti chondrites, 9 enstatite chondrites, 7 ungrouped achondrites, 6 pallasites, 5 mesosiderites, 3 enstatite achondrites, 3 ungrouped chondrites, and 2 angrites. 1569 meteorites are from Antarctica, 835 from Africa, 206 from South America, 62 from Asia, 21 from North America, 11 from unknown locations, 8 from Europe (including one from Russia), and 1 from Oceania.     

Meteorites from the United Arab Emirates: Description,weathering, and terrestrial ages

We report on the first meteorite search campaign in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The geology and proximity of our search region suggest that it is the north‐western extension of the Oman meteorite fields. We found 26 ordinary chondrites, bringing the total number of official meteorites from the UAE to 28. The campaign was organized and conducted in close cooperation with the UAE government and the main masses of the meteorites remained in the country where they will become part of an exhibition. The bulk composition of five meteorite and three soil samples indicates an uptake of U, Mo, Sr, Ba, Li, and Pb from the soil into the meteorites during terrestrial weathering. Terrestrial ages determined from ¹⁴C decay of 21 meteorites range from recent falls to 24.4 ka, with two meteorites having >37 ka and approximately 39 ka, respectively. Weak correlations between weathering degree, meteorite bulk chemical composition, and terrestrial age suggest highly localized weathering conditions, possibly related to abundant occurrences of sabkhas in the search region.     

Petrological,petrofabric, and oxygen isotopic study of five ungrouped meteorites related to brachinites

Northwest Africa (NWA) 6112, Miller Range (MIL) 090206 (plus its pairs: MIL 090340 and MIL 090405), and Divnoe are olivine‐rich ungrouped achondrites. We investigated and compared their petrography, mineralogy, and olivine fabrics. We additionally measured the oxygen isotopic compositions of NWA 6112. They show similar petrography, mineralogy, and oxygen isotopic compositions and we concluded that these five meteorites are brachinite clan meteorites. We found that NWA 6112 and Divnoe had a c axis concentration pattern of olivine fabrics using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). NWA 6112 and Divnoe are suggested to have been exposed to magmatic melt flows during their crystallization on their parent body. On the other hand, the three MIL meteorites have b axis concentration patterns of olivine fabrics. This indicates that the three MIL meteorites may be cumulates where compaction of olivine grains was dominant. Alternatively, they formed as residues and were exposed to olivine compaction. The presence of two different olivine fabric patterns implies that the parent body(s) of brachinite clan meteorites experienced diverse igneous processes.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 101

Meteoritical Bulletin 101 contains 2639 meteorites accepted by the Nomenclature Committee in 2012, including 1 fall (Battle Mountain), with 2308 ordinary chondrites, 156 carbonaceous chondrites, 63 HED achondrites, 17 relict meteorites, 16 Rumuruti chondrites, 15 enstatite chondrites, 15 ureilites, 10 iron meteorites, 9 lunar meteorites, 9 primitive achondrites, 8 ungrouped achondrites, 7 mesosiderites, 4 Martian meteorites, and 2 Pallasites, and with 1812 from Antarctica, 437 from Asia, 301 from Africa, 43 from South America, 21 from Europe (including Russia), 21 from North America, 3 from Oceania, and 1 from unknown. Information about approved meteorites can be obtained from the Meteoritical Bulletin Database (MBD) available on line at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/ .     

Classification of five new chondrite finds from Roosevelt County,New Mexico

Abstract— Five small, weathered meteorites recovered from Roosevelt County, New Mexico, USA, are called Roosevelt County 066–070. Based on optical microscopy and electron microprobe analysis of mafic minerals, RC 066–070 are classified as L5a chondrites. RC 068 and 069 are tentatively paired. RC 066 and RC 067 are not paired with RC 068 and RC 069. RC 066, 067 and 070 do not appear to be paired with each other or with RC 001–031.     

Meteorites from the Nullarbor Region,Western Australia: II. Recovery and classification of 34 new meteorite finds from the Mundrabilla,Forrest, Reid and Deakin areas

Abstract— The discovery of 34 new stony meteorites is reported from those areas of the Nullarbor Region, Western Australia named after Mundrabilla, Forrest, Reid and Deakin sidings on the Trans Australian Railway line. The recoveries include 15 H-, and 15 L-group equilibrated (types 4–6) ordinary chondrites, two distinct H3 chondrites (Mundrabilla 003 and Forrest 003), a genomict H-group chondrite breccia (Reid 011) comprising types 3–6, and one structurally anomalous chondrite (Deakin 001). Seventy-eight distinct meteorites are now known from the region.     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 103

Meteoritical Bulletin 103 contains 2582 meteorites including 10 falls (Ardón, Demsa, Jinju, Kri?evci, Kuresoi, Novato, Tinajdad, Tirhert, Vicência, Wolcott), with 2174 ordinary chondrites, 130 HED achondrites, 113 carbonaceous chondrites, 41 ureilites, 27 lunar meteorites, 24 enstatite chondrites, 21 iron meteorites, 15 primitive achondrites, 11 mesosiderites, 10 Martian meteorites, 6 Rumuruti chondrites, 5 ungrouped achondrites, 2 enstatite achondrites, 1 relict meteorite, 1 pallasite, and 1 angrite, and with 1511 from Antarctica, 588 from Africa, 361 from Asia, 86 from South America, 28 from North America, and 6 from Europe. Note: 1 meteorite from Russia was counted as European. The complete contents of this bulletin (244 pages) are available on line. Information about approved meteorites can be obtained from the Meteoritical Bulletin Database (MBD) available on line at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/ .     

The Meteoritical Bulletin,No. 106

Meteoritical Bulletin 106 contains 1868 meteorites including 10 falls (Aiquile, Broek in Waterland, Degtevo, Dingle Dell, Dishchii'bikoh, Hradec Králové, Kheneg Ljouâd, Oudiyat Sbaa, Serra Pelada, Tres Irmaos), with 1386 ordinary chondrites, 166 carbonaceous chondrites, 119 HED achondrites, 48 Lunar meteorites, 37 iron meteorites, 36 ureilites, 19 Martian meteorites, 13 enstatite chondrites, 12 Rumuruti chondrites, 9 primitive achondrites, 8 mesosiderites, 5 enstatite achondrites, 4 ungrouped achondrites, 4 pallasites, and 1 relict meteorite. A total of 958 meteorites are from Africa, 405 from Antarctica, 245 from Asia, 228 from South America, 12 from North America, 8 from Europe, 5 from Mars, 4 from Oceania, and 1 from an unknown location.