Extraterrestrial water in micrometeorites and cosmic spherules from Antarctica: An ion microprobe study

Abstract— The D/H ratios and water contents were measured by ion microprobe analysis in 52 individual Antarctic micrometeorites (AMMs) and 10 Antarctic cosmic spherules (ACSs) containing nuggets of iron hydroxide (COPS phase). In AMMs, δD values vary from ?366 to +249%‰ and water contents lie between 0.4-3.7 wt%. The COPS nuggets in cosmic spherules have high water contents (2 to 8 wt%) and exhibit δD values from ?144 to +167%‰, which is indicative of an extraterrestrial origin of their constituent water. The silicate portion of ACSs also contain extraterrestrial H equivalent to ～0.l to 1.2 wt% water. Deuterium-exchange experiments were performed with isotopically spiked water. These experiments demonstrate that water in mineral phases of AMMs and ACSs is indigenous and does not result from contamination during residence in Antarctic ice. The frequency distribution of D/H ratios in AMMs allows us to further narrow the relationship between AMMs and carbonaceous chondrites to CM and CI chondrites but contrasts with that of stratospheric interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) of similar sizes (from ?10 to 50 μm). The relatively narrow range of D/H ratios measured in AMMs as well as in ACSs (which are more resistant and thus less susceptible to collection biases) suggests that D-rich IDP-like particles are very rare in our AMMs collections. This indicates that these D-rich grains might constitute a minor fraction of the micrometeorite flux in the interplanetary medium and that possible collection biases in Antarctica would not be responsible for their strong depletion in the AMMs collections.     

Lithic raw material usages during the Middle Stone Age at Dakhleh Oasis,Egypt

Dakhleh Oasis, the largest of the Egyptian Western Desert, presents an opportunity for diachronic study of lithic raw material preferences during the Middle Stone Age (MSA) of the Eastern Sahara. Archaeological aggregates and raw material sources are exposed and easily mapped. Diverse and abundant lithic raw materials derive from sandstone, shale, and limestone sources and are also found in secondary geological contexts. Three main raw materials were used, and there was strong preference for one of these: Tarawan chert. Easily available only in the north‐central oasis, this material was transported substantial distances even when other materials that were known and used by MSA peoples could be found closer at hand. There is little evidence for use of raw materials exogenous to Dakhleh Oasis. This pattern of usage does not appear to change from the older MSA units to the Aterian Dakhleh Unit. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Futher reflections on the Isimila Acheulian

Uranium series dates on bone from the Isimila Prehistoric Site, Tanzania, indicate that this East African Acheulian site may be older than originally estimated. They raise the possibility that the Middle Pleistocene sediments containing Acheulian occurrences span a longer range of time than had been supposed. This could add to the plausibility of a contention by Hansen and Keller that differences between artifacts in the uppermost Acheulian horizon and in lower-lying beds are primarily a reflection of change through time rather than a result of different human activities.A summary of the artifact content and associations of the several archeological stratigraphic units is given, and, although a sort of “developmental sequence” can be seen, the existence of discrepant occurrences suggests that an interpretation of directional change as a “function of time” does not, in fact, well accommodate the evidence.Quantitative changes in artifact class proportions in aggregates seem just as likely to be related to local exploitation potentials for early man which were produced during the process of basin in-filling, while observed qualitative differences in the lower-lying horizons may be due to samples biased because of limited exposures which are restricted to a single sedimentary environment.     

Primary Product Distribution from the Reaction of Hydroxyl Radicals with Toluene at ppb NOX Mixing Ratios

When this paper was first published Figure 5 was incorrect. The publisher regrets this oversight. The complete page with correct figure and original pagination is printed overleaf.     

Mineralogical alteration of artificial meteorites during atmospheric entry. The STONE-5 experiment

The generic concept of the artificial meteorite experiment STONE is to fix rock samples bearing microorganisms on the heat shield of a recoverable space capsule and to study their modifications during atmospheric re-entry. The STONE-5 experiment was performed mainly to answer astrobiological questions. The rock samples mounted on the heat shield were used (i) as a carrier for microorganisms and (ii) as internal control to verify whether physical conditions during atmospheric re-entry were comparable to those experienced by “real” meteorites. Samples of dolerite (an igneous rock), sandstone (a sedimentary rock), and gneiss impactite from Haughton Crater carrying endolithic cyanobacteria were fixed to the heat shield of the unmanned recoverable capsule FOTON-M2. Holes drilled on the back side of each rock sample were loaded with bacterial and fungal spores and with dried vegetative cryptoendoliths. The front of the gneissic sample was also soaked with cryptoendoliths.

The mineralogical differences between pre- and post-flight samples are detailed. Despite intense ablation resulting in deeply eroded samples, all rocks in part survived atmospheric re-entry. Temperatures attained during re-entry were high enough to melt dolerite, silica, and the gneiss impactite sample. The formation of fusion crusts in STONE-5 was a real novelty and strengthens the link with real meteorites. The exposed part of the dolerite is covered by a fusion crust consisting of silicate glass formed from the rock sample with an admixture of holder material (silica). Compositionally, the fusion crust varies from silica-rich areas (undissolved silica fibres of the holder material) to areas whose composition is “basaltic”. Likewise, the fusion crust on the exposed gneiss surface was formed from gneiss with an admixture of holder material. The corresponding composition of the fusion crust varies from silica-rich areas to areas with “gneiss” composition (main component potassium-rich feldspar). The sandstone sample was retrieved intact and did not develop a fusion crust. Thermal decomposition of the calcite matrix followed by disintegration and liberation of the silicate grains prevented the formation of a melt.

Furthermore, the non-exposed surface of all samples experienced strong thermal alterations. Hot gases released during ablation pervaded the empty space between sample and sample holder leading to intense local heating. The intense heating below the protective sample holder led to surface melting of the dolerite rock and to the formation of calcium-silicate rims on quartz grains in the sandstone sample.     

The upper mantle beneath Kapfenstein and the Transdanubian volcanic region,E Austria and W Hungary: A comparison

Summary A representative suite of ultramafic xenoliths from Kapfenstein, Austria, has been investigated petrographically. Textures and mineral chemistries are compared with published data on Hungarian xenoliths and discussed within the framework of the hypothesis of a mantle diapir beneath the Transdanubian Volcanic Region (TVR) of E Austria and W Hungary. We succeeded in recognizing important differences which seem to support the TVR mantle diapir concept. Below the external part of the TVR (Kapfenstein) the upper mantle seems to be essentially untectonized and lithologically rather monotonous (e.g., Type II clinopyroxenites are absent). In contrast, both deformed (equigranular) and undeformed (protogranular) peridotite xenoliths occur in the internal part (Balaton area) where Type II clinopyroxenite xenoliths as well as Type I/Type II composite rocks are present. It is remarkable that at Gérce (Hungary), situated approximately mid-way between the internal and external regions, almost exclusively porphyroclastic xenoliths occur.The undeformed xenoliths from Kapfenstein are largely unfractionated. A small proportion exhibits depletions in basaltic component or some mild influence of mantle metasomatism. Several mineral chemical parameters, such asmg-number of olivine, Al₂O₃ content of spinel and clinopyroxene, apparent pyroxene equilibration temperature, etc., show a narrow distribution with a pronounced maximum in the undeformed Kapfenstein xenoliths. By contrast, the deformed xenoliths from the internal TVR show a much broader range of values with no distinct maximum, attesting to a more complex chemical and physical evolution. Thus a direct relationship between deformation and chemistry seems to be confirmed. The deformed rocks can be extreme in two ways: they can either be strongly depleted or strongly enriched as documented by the high contents of clinopyroxene in equigranular xenoliths from Szigliget. Tectonization apparently opens the way for mass transport in either direction.

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Der obere Mantel unterhalb Kapfenstein und der Transdanubischen Vulkanischen Region, E-Österreich und W-Ungarn: Ein Vergleich

Zusammenfassung Eine repräsentative Suite von ultramafischen Xenolithen von Kapfenstein, Steiermark, wurde petrologisch untersucht. Die Gefüge und Mineralchemismen werden mit publizierten Daten von ungarischen Vorkommen verglichen und im Rahmen der Mantel-Diapir-Hypothese für die Transdanubische Vulkanische Region (TVR) diskutiert. Der Vergleich ergab wesentliche Unterschiede, welche das TVR-Mantel-Diapir-Konzept unterstützen. Der Mantel unterhalb des äußeren Teiles der TVR (Kapfenstein) ist praktisch untektonisiert und lithologisch monoton (z.B. fehlen Typ II Klinopyroxenite). Im Gegensatz dazu finden sich im inneren Teil (Balaton-Region) sowohl deformierte (equigranulare) als auch nicht-deformierte (protogranulare) Xenolithe zusammen mit Typ II Klinopyroxeniten. Auch zusammengesetzte Xenolithe, bestehend aus Typ I und Typ II Gesteinen sind vorhanden. Bemerkenswert ist, daß bei Gérce (Ungarn), eine Lokalität, welche sich zwischen dem inneren und äußeren Teil der TVR befindet, fast ausschließlich nur porphyroklastische Xenolithe vorkommen.Die undeformierten Xenolithe von Kapfenstein sind größtenteils unfraktioniert. Einige wenige zeigen Verarmungen oder geringfügige metasomatische Anreicherungen. Histogramme mineralchemischer Parameter zeigen sehr deutlich die Unterschiede zwischen den undeformierten Kapfenstein Xenolithen und den deformierten der inneren TVR. Die Kapfenstein Xenolithe zeigen typischerweise regelmäßige Verteilungen mit einem deutlichen Maximum. Die Xenolithe der inneren TVR hingegen zeigen eine flache Verteilung und weisen damit auf eine wesentlich komplexere chemische Entwicklung hin. Unsere Daten scheinen einen direkten Zusammenhang zwischen Deformation und chemischer Veränderung aufzuzeigen. Die deformierten Gesteine können in dieser Hinsicht zwei Extreme annehmen: Sie können entweder stark verarmt oder stark angereichert sein. Letzeres wird z.B. beeindruckend durch die hohen Gehalte an Klinopyroxen der equigranularen Xenolithe von Szigliget dokumentiert. Tektonisierung scheint die Wege für Massen-Transporte in beiden Richtungen zu öffnen.

     

Zoned CaAl-rich chondrule in Bali: New evidence against the primordial condensation model

One large (8.5 mm) chondrule in the Bali carbonaceous chondrite is strongly enriched in refractory elements similarily to the white objects in Allende which are widely believed to be “primitive” condensates. However, detailed investigations show the Bali chondrule to have an element distribution opposite to that predicted by the “primitive condensation” models. Refractory elements like Ti and Al are enriched at or near the surface of the chondrule. The contents of some volatile elements, e.g. Na, Si, and Cr, are higher in the central portion. It is suggested that this chondrule - and similar objects in other C-chondrites - originated in one, or more likely several, impact events and that the element distribution is the result of volatilization-condensation.     

Overcoming cross-scale challenges to climate change adaptation for local government: a focus on Australia

This paper aims to identify key cross-scale challenges to planned adaptation within the context of local government in Australia, and suggest enabling actions to overcome such challenges. Many of the impacts of climate change and variability have or will be experienced at the local level. Local governments are embedded in a larger governance context that has the potential to limit the effectiveness of planned adaptation initiatives on the ground. This study argues that research on constraints and barriers to adaptation must place greater attention to understanding the broader multi-governance system and cross-scale constraints that shape adaptation at the local government scale. The study identified seven key enabling actions for overcoming cross-scale challenges faced by local governments in Australia when undertaking climate change adaptation planning and implementation. A central conclusion of this study is that a cooperative and collaborative approach is needed where joint recognition of the scale of the issue and its inherent cross-scale complexities are realised. Many of the barriers or constraints to adaptation planning are interlinked, requiring a whole government approach to adaptation planning. The research suggests a stronger role at the state and national level is required for adaptation to be facilitated and supported at the local level.     

Chemistry of glass inclusions in olivines of the CR chondrites Renazzo, Acfer 182, and El Djouf 001

Glass inclusions in olivines of the Renazzo, El Djouf 001, and Acfer 182 CR-type chondrites are chemically divers and can be classified into Al-rich, Al-poor, and Na-rich types. The chemical properties of the glasses are independent of the occurrence of the olivine (isolated or part of an aggregate or chondrule) and its composition. The glasses are silica-saturated (Al-rich) or oversaturated (Al-poor, 24% normative quartz). All glasses have chondritic CaO/Al₂O₃ ratios, unfractionated CI-normalized abundances of refractory trace elements and are depleted in moderately volatile and volatile elements. Thus the glasses are likely to be of a primitive condensate origin whose chemical composition has been established before chondrule formation and accretion, rather then the product of either crystal fractionation from chondrule melts or part melting of chondrules. Rare Na-rich glasses give evidence for elemental exchange between the glass and a vapor phase. Because they have Al₂O₃ contents and trace element abundances very similar to those of the Al-rich glasses, they likely were derived from the latter by Ca exchange (for Na) with the nebula. Elemental exchange reactions also have affected practically all olivines (e.g., exchange of Mg of olivine for Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Cr³⁺). Glasses formed contemporaneously with the host olivine. As the most likely process for growing nonskeletal olivines from a vapor we consider the VLS (vapor-liquid-solid) growth process, or liquid-phase epitaxy. Glasses are the possible remnants of the liquid interface between growing crystal and the vapor. Such liquids can form stably or metastably in regions with enhanced oxygen fugacity as compared to that of a nebula of solar composition.     

Primary Product Distribution from the Reaction of Hydroxyl Radicals with Toluene at ppb NOX Mixing Ratios

A study has been conducted to examine the OH-initiated degradation products of toluene in the presence of sub part-per-million levels of NO_X. The experiments were conducted in a dynamic reactor to minimize the conversion of the aromatic compounds while allowing a sufficient mass of products to be collected for analysis. The major primary products detected in the toluene system (with molar yields) include glyoxal (0.238), methylglyoxal (0.167), o-cresol (0.120), benzaldehyde (0.06), 4-oxo-2-pentenal (0.03), and p-cresol (0.03). Six other reaction products, most being ring cleavage products, were measured at yields below 3%. Corrections for secondary OH reactions with the products were made where necessary. The formation of the cresol isomers was found to be invariant to the NO₂ concentrations which indicates that under atmospheric conditions the initial hydroxycyclohexadienyl radical reaction with NO₂ is a minor process and that most of the reaction occurs with O₂. The product yields found in this study are expected to be representative of those that occur in the urban atmosphere at ambient NO₂ concentrations.