The natural high-pressure phase of cubic CdSe in impact glass from Zhamanshin crater

A CdSe high-pressure polymorph of the NaCl structural type of a₀ = 0.549 nm and Fm–3m space group was discovered in nature for the first time. Its composition is within range of CdSe–CdSe_1–х where x = 0.2 apfu. The phase was discovered as abundant nanosize inclusions in irgizite-type condensate glass separated from the sample of impact rock of the Zhamanshin crater (Central Kazakhstan). The treated mineral was presumably formed within a gas–plasma cloud at the moment of impact.     

Cosmogenic Substances in the Zhamanshin Crater

Using high-resolution analytical electron microscopy, heterogeneous fragments of cosmogenic substances, such as nickelphosphide Ni₃P and the unnamed intermetallide ZnAl₂, are detected for the first time for a large meteorite crater, the Zhamanshin circular structure. Due to the impossibility of simultaneous finding these phases in the same meteorite, an assumption is made on the cometary nature of the impactor of the Zhamanshin crater.     

Native ytterbium of regolith AS Luna-24

Native ytterbium first identified in a single brownish orange glass fragment collected from the deepest part (184–189 cm) of the bore core delivered from the Mare Crisium of the Moon to the Earth by the Luna-24 Automatic Station is described. As follows from X-ray elemental maps, the ytterbium grain is metallic. Possible mechanisms of its formation and reasons for its elevated corrosion stability are discussed.     

Mineral phases on the fracture of a glass particle and in the fines of a Luna 24 regolith sample

This paper reports new findings of native molybdenum and iron from Mare Crisium. Native tin, copper, and nickel were detected for the first time in this area of the lunar surface. Native tantalum and indium, intermetallic compound Ta₂Mo, and barium titanate Ba₂TiO₄ were found for the first time on the Moon. The latter two phases were observed for the first time in nature. It was shown that the investigated mineral phases correspond to different genetic groups (preimpact, impact, and postimpact mineral assemblages), which is in general typical of lunar regolith. Based on the morphological features of the identified mineral phases, the history of the formation of impact glass particles was reconstructed in part. They were probably affected by at least three impact events. It was concluded that the peculiar molybdenum geochemical anomaly observed in a group of orange impact glass fragments was not related to the impactor material but rather to the intrinsic enrichment in molybdenum of lunar rocks (target) in the area of the impact events. It was supposed that this enrichment could be of exhalative (fumarole) nature.     

Unusual types of degassing from melts of peripheral magma chambers of “dormant” El’brus volcano, Russia: Geochemical and mineralogical features

In addition to traditional degassing of the melt in the subsurface magma chambers of the “dormant” El’brus volcano, alsodegassing through pores and microcracks that occur in the top of magma chambers has also been detected. It is proven by studies of compactness, porosity, and permeability of the rocks. The speeds at which gases (H, He, H₂S, CO₂, F, and Cl) pass through gneiss and volcanic rocks were estimated. Magma chambers on the ground surface are expressed in stable thermal anomalies revealed by night-time thermal sounding from an NOAA satellite. The presence of magma chambers at depths of 2–12 km was proven by magnetotelluric sounding [Sobisevich et al., 2003] and gravity studies. In addition to occasional “columns” of bright-white fluorescence above the thermal anomalies, aerosol “clouds” and hydrogen flows were detected by lidar and hydrogen surveying [Alekseev et al., 2007, 2009]. Observation at the same sites detected steam outbursts occurring periodically, the snow-ice cover thaws and the smell of hydrogen sulfide is felt. Geochemical characteristics of degassing were studied by snow sampling from up to 1 m deep pits. They were taken within contours of the thermal anomalies, above active fault zones, in the sites of bright-white fluorescence “columns,” and on a new fumarole locality. It is shown that the degassing of melt was accompanied by the gas transporting many elements (Li, B, Si, P, S, Ca, Zn, Pb, Mo, Ba, W, Hg, Ag, U, Th, I, Au, and Pt) in a fine-grained state (a few microns or possibly nanometers) with an active participation of F and Cl. Native platinum, chalcopyrite, halite, sylvite, barite, gypsum, zircon, opal, chlorinated organics, etc. were for the first time discovered in the Mt. El’brus area using electron microscope studies of solid residue from dehydrated snow samples. “Hidden” ore mineralization genetically related to degassing of melts enriched in ore elements may be supposedly found in paleo- and present-day areas of volcanic activity.     

Experimental Study of Impact Vaporization of Serpentinite

Doklady Earth Sciences - Experimental data on impact vaporization of serpentinite are presented. The experiment was carried out using a two-stage light gas gun with an impact velocity ∼6...     

Temperature and heat flux changes at the base of Laurentide ice sheet inferred from geothermal data (evidence from province of Alberta,Canada)

International Journal of Earth Sciences - Using a previously published temperature log of the 2363-m-deep borehole Hunt well (Alberta, Canada) and the results of its previous interpretation, the...     

A High-Temperature Al–Ca Condensate in the Lunar Regolith

Doklady Earth Sciences - For the first time, a high-temperature condensate in the form of two-component glass beads of about 200–400 nm size, consisting of an Al–Ca oxide core rimmed by...