Solar system bodies like comets, asteroids, meteorites and dust particles contain organic matter with different abundances, structures and chemical composition. This chapter compares the similarities ...and differences of the organic composition in these planetary bodies. Furthermore, these links are explored in the context of detecting the most pristine organic material, either by on-site analysis or sample return missions. Finally, we discuss the targets of potential future sample return missions, as well as the contamination controls that should be in place in order to successfully study pristine organic matter.
The measured nitrogen-to-carbon ratio in comets is lower than for the Sun, a discrepancy which could be alleviated if there is an unknown reservoir of nitrogen in comets. The nucleus of comet ...67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko exhibits an unidentified broad spectral reflectance feature around 3.2 micrometers, which is ubiquitous across its surface. On the basis of laboratory experiments, we attribute this absorption band to ammonium salts mixed with dust on the surface. The depth of the band indicates that semivolatile ammonium salts are a substantial reservoir of nitrogen in the comet, potentially dominating over refractory organic matter and more volatile species. Similar absorption features appear in the spectra of some asteroids, implying a compositional link between asteroids, comets, and the parent interstellar cloud.
Recently published space-based observations of main-belt asteroids with the AKARI telescope provide a full description of the 3 μm band, related to the presence of OH bearing minerals. Here, we use ...laboratory spectra of carbonaceous chondrites obtained under controlled atmosphere (CI,CM,CO,CV,CR Tagish Lake) to derive spectral metrics related to the water content in the samples. After testing several spectral metrics, we use a combination of band depth at 2.75 μm and 2.80 μm that shows a correlation with H2O in the sample determined by TGA, though with a high uncertainty (4 wt% H2O). This relation is used to determine water content at the surface of large C-complex main-belt asteroids and discuss the origin of the variability found. On average C-complex Main-Belt Asteroids (MBA) have water contents of 4.5 wt% (volume average, (1) Ceres excluded), significantly lower than average CM chondrites. The estimated water content for the most hydrated asteroids are lower than those of the most hydrated meteorites, a difference that could be attributed to space-weathering. An anti-correlation is also present between water content and overall spectral slope, which is opposite to expectation from laboratory simulations of space weathering on dark carbonaceous chondrites. This suggests that part of the variability in the surface hydration among the different C-complex asteroids is not due to space-weathering, but to the composition of surface material. When applied to Ceres, the hygrometer presented in this work enables us to estimate that at least 1.22 wt% of the hydrogen is present in the form of organics. This richness in organics strengthens the connection between Ceres and cometary materials.
•Quantification of equivalent water in CC from reflectance is discussed.•Equivalent water is quantified at the surface of for large C-complex asteroids.•Equatorial region on Ceres are expected to contain 1.22 wt% of organic H.
This paper focuses on the post-accretion history of CV3 chondrites, through a combination of petrographic and mineralogical characterization, magnetic measurements, spectral (Raman and Infrared) and ...thermo-gravimetric analysis of 31 meteorites (including 7 falls, 21 Antarctic and 3 non-Antarctic finds) spanning a wide metamorphic range.
We classify the 21 Antarctic chondrites and the Bukhara fall into the CVRed, CVOxA, and CVOxB subgroups. We establish quantitative parameters relevant for this sub-classification. In comparison to CVOx, CVRed chondrites are characterized by (i) a lower abundance of matrix, (ii) a higher abundance of metal, (iii) the presence of Ni-poor sulfides. In comparison to CVOxB, CVOxA are characterized by (i) similar matrix abundance, (ii) a higher abundance of metal, (iii) the presence of metal almost exclusively under the form of awaruite, (iv) lower Ni content of sulfides, (v) lower magnetic susceptibility and saturation remanence.
Both CVOx (CVOxA and CVOxB) and CVRed experienced aqueous alteration, and contain oxyhydroxides and phyllosilicates. We show that the abundance of these hydrated secondary minerals observed today in individual CV chondrites decreases with their peak metamorphic temperature. This is interpreted either as partial dehydration of these secondary minerals or limited hydration due to the rapid exhaustion of the water reservoir during parent body thermal metamorphism. Moreover, the lower abundance of oxyhydroxides (that have a lower thermal stability than phyllosilicates and may in large part postdate the peak of thermal metamorphism) in more metamorphosed CV chondrites is interpreted as lower availability of aqueous fluids during retrograde metamorphism in these meteorites.
Lastly, we show that in comparison to CVOxB, CVOxA are systematically (i) more metamorphosed, (ii) less hydrated, (iii) depleted in ferromagnetic minerals, (iv) but enriched in metal in the form of secondary awaruite. CVOxA may be thermally metamorphosed CVOxB. CVRed are significantly different from CVOx (matrix abundances, alteration products, opaque minerals), but span the same wide metamorphic range. This could be indicative of a laterally heterogeneous CV parent body, or suggest the existence of distinct parent bodies for CVOx and CVRed chondrites.
This paper reports the first reliable quantitative determination of the thermal metamorphism grade of a series of nine CV3 chondrites: Allende, Axtell, Bali, Mokoia, Grosnaja, Efremovka, Vigarano, ...Leoville, and Kaba. The maturity of the organic matter in matrix, determined by Raman spectroscopy, has been used as a powerful metamorphic tracer, independent of the mineralogical context and extent of aqueous alteration. This tracer has been used along with other metamorphic tracers such as Fe zoning in type-I chondrules of olivine phenocrysts, presolar grain abundance and noble gas abundance (bulk and P3 component). The study shows that the petrologic types determined earlier by Induced ThermoLuminescence were underestimated and suggests the following values: PT (Allende-Axtell) >3.6; PT (Bali-Mokoia-Grosnaja) ∼3.6; PT (Efremovka-Leoville-Vigarano)
=
3.1–3.4; PT (Kaba) ∼3.1. The most commonly studied CV3, Allende, is also the most metamorphosed. Bali is a breccia containing clasts of different petrologic types. The attribution suggested by this study is that of clasts of the highest petrologic types, as pointed out by IOM maturity and noble gas bulk abundance. CV3 chondrites have complex asteroidal backgrounds, with various degrees of aqueous alteration and/or thermal metamorphism leading to complex mineralogical and petrologic patterns. (Fe,Mg) chemical zoning in olivine phenocrysts, on the borders of type I chondrules of porphyritic olivine- and pyroxene-rich textural types, has been found to correlate with the metamorphism grade. This suggests that chemical zoning in some chondrules, often interpreted as exchanges between chondrules and nebular gas, may well have an asteroidal origin. Furthermore, the compositional range of olivine matrix is controlled both by thermal metamorphism and aqueous alteration. This does not support evidence of a nebular origin and does not necessarily mirror the metamorphism grade through (Fe,Mg) equilibration. On the other hand, it may provide clues on the degree of aqueous alteration vs. thermal metamorphism and on the timing of both processes. In particular, Mokoia experienced significant aqueous alteration after the metamorphism peak, whereas Grosnaja, which has similar metamorphism grade, did not.
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•Calibration approach based on a synthetic H13CO-tholin using FTIR and DP/MAS NMR.•The aliphatic to aromatic ratio, nCHx/nAro in IOMs is in good agreement with the previous ...SP/NMR.•The aliphatic to carbonyl ratio, nCHx/nC=O, is overestimated for the four chondrites.•An analytical law that links ACHx/AAro and known vitrinite reflectance was provides to determine nCHx/nAro for coal samples.
The determination of the abundances of the CHx, C = O and aromatic groups in chondritic Insoluble Organic Matter (IOM) and coals by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a challenging issue due to insufficient knowledge on the absorption cross-sections and their sensitivity to the molecular environment. Here, we report a calibration approach based on a 13C synthetic model material whose composition was unambiguously determined by Direct-Pulse/Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (DP/MAS NMR). Ratios of the cross-sections of the CHx, C = O and aromatic groups have been determined, and the method has been applied to IOM samples extracted from four chondrites as Orgueil (CI), Murchison (CM), Tagish Lake (C2-ungrouped) and EET 92042 (CR2), and to a series of coals. The estimate of the aliphatic to aromatic carbon ratio (nCHx/nAro) in IOM samples from Orgueil, Murchison and Tagish Lake chondrites is in good agreement with Single-Pulse/NMR estimates earlier published, and is lower by a factor of 1.3 in the case of the CR chondrite EET 92042 (but the error bars overlap). In contrast, the aliphatic to carbonyl ratio (nCHx/nC=O) is overestimated for the four chondrites. These discrepancies are likely due to the control of the absorption cross-section of the C = O and C = C bonds by the local molecular environment. Regarding coals, the use of published NMR analyses has brought to light that the integrated cross-section ratio ACHx/AAro varies with the vitrinite reflectance over an order of magnitude. Here as well, the local oxygen speciation plays a critical control in AAro, which decreases with increasing the vitrinite reflectance. We provide an analytical law that links ACHx/AAro and vitrinite reflectance, which will allow the determination of nCHx/nAro for any coal sample, provided its vitrinite reflectance is known.
The metamorphic grades of a series of eight CO3 chondrites (ALHA77307, Colony, Kainsaz, Felix, Lancé, Ornans, Warrenton and Isna) have been quantified. The method used was based on the structural ...grade of the organic matter trapped in the matrix, which is irreversibly transformed by thermal metamorphism. The maturation of the organic matter is independent with respect to the mineralogical context and aqueous alteration. This metamorphic tracer is thus valid whatever the chemical class of chondrites. Moreover, it is sensitive to the peak metamorphic temperature.
The structural grade of the organic matter was used along with other metamorphic tracers such as petrography of opaque minerals, Fa and Fs silicate composition in type I chondrules, presolar grains and noble gas (P3 component) abundance. The deduced metamorphic hierarchy and the attributed petrographic types are the following: ALHA77307 (3.03)
<
Colony (3.1)
<
Kainsaz (3.6)
<
Felix (3.6 (1))
<
Ornans (3.6 (2))
<
Lancé (3.6 (3))
<
Warrenton (3.7 (1))
<
Isna (3.7 (2)).
For most metamorphosed objects, the peak metamorphic temperature can be estimated using a geothermometer calibrated with terrestrial metasediments Beyssac O., Goffe B., Chopin C., and Rouzaud J. N. (2002) Raman spectrum of carbonaceous material in metasediments: a new geothermometer.
J. Metamorph. Geol.,
20, 859–871. A value of 330
°C was obtained for Allende (CV chondrite), Warrenton and Isna, consistent with temperatures estimated from Fe diffusion Weinbruch S., Armstrong J., and Palme H. (1994). Constraints on the thermal history of the Allende parent body as derive from olivine–spinel thermometry and Fe/Mg interdiffusion in olivine.
Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta
58(2), 1019–1030., from the Ni content in sulfide-metal assemblages Zanda B., Bourot-Denise M., and Hewins R. (1995) Condensate sulfide and its metamorphic transformations in primitive chondrites.
Meteorit. Planet. Sci.
30, A605. and from the
d
002 interlayer spacing in poorly graphitized carbon Rietmeijer, F., and MacKinnon, I. (1985) Poorly graphitized carbon as a new cosmothermometer for primitive extraterrestrial materials.
Nature,
315, 733–736. The trapped noble gas and C content appear to be sensitive but not precise metamorphic tracers, indicating that the “Ornans paradox” does not exist. Major problems with the current petrologic types derived from Induced ThermoLuminescence are pointed out.
Insoluble organic matter (IOM) extracted from primitive chondrites is a polyaromatic solid with a structure and composition resembling that of terrestrial kerogens. A survey of its composition and ...structure has been carried out on a series of 27 CR, CM, CI and ungrouped C2 carbonaceous chondrites (Tagish Lake, Bells, Essebi, Acfer 094) using infrared and multi-wavelength Raman micro-spectroscopy (244, 514 and 785nm laser excitations). The results show that chondritic IOM from PCA 91008 (CM2), WIS 91600 (CM2), QUE 93005 (CM2), Tagish Lake (C2 ungrouped) and possibly Cold Bokkeveld (CM2) has been subjected to the past action of short duration thermal metamorphism, presumably triggered by impacts. The IOM in most of the CM chondrites that experienced moderate to heavy aqueous alteration may have been slightly modified by collision-induced heating. However, even IOM from chondrites that escaped significant thermal metamorphism displays Raman characteristics consistent with a formation by thermal processing, either in the protosolar disk or in the parent body. An alternative energetic process to thermal heating is ion irradiation. After thoroughly analyzing both these scenarii, no conclusion can be drawn as to which is the most plausible mechanism nor whether the heating process took place prior or after accretion. The results show for the first time that the width of the G band in spectra collected with a 514nm excitation correlates with the O/C atomic ratio, suggesting a major role of oxygen in the cross-linking of polyaromatic units.
A set of high‐fidelity simulated asteroid materials, or simulants, was developed based on the mineralogy of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Three varieties of simulant were developed based on CI1 ...chondrites (typified by Orgueil), CM2 chondrites (typified by Murchison), and CR2/3 chondrites (multiple samples). The simulants were designed to replicate the mineralogy and physical properties of the corresponding meteorites and anticipated asteroid surface materials as closely as is reasonably possible for bulk amounts. The simulants can be made in different physical forms ranging from larger cobbles to fine‐grained regolith. We analyzed simulant prototypes using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, reflectance spectroscopy at ambient conditions and in vacuum, thermal emission spectroscopy in a simulated asteroid environment chamber, and combined thermogravimetry and evolved gas analysis. Most measured properties compare favorably to the reference meteorites and therefore to predicted volatile‐rich asteroid surface materials, including boulders, cobbles, and fine‐grained soils. However, there were also discrepancies, and mistakes were made in the original mineral formulations that will be updated in the future. The asteroid simulants are available to the community from the nonprofit Exolith Lab at UCF, and the mineral recipes are freely published for other groups to reproduce and modify as they see fit.
The Piancaldoli ordinary chondrite fell in northern Italy on August 10, 1968. Preliminary studies led to its classification as an LL3.4 unequilibrated ordinary chondrite. However, recent developments ...in classification procedures have prompted us to re‐examine its mineralogical, petrographic, spectroscopic, chemical, and isotopic features in a multi‐technique study. Raman spectra and magnetic properties indicate that Piancaldoli experienced minimal thermal metamorphism, consistent with its high bulk hydrogen content and the Cr contents of ferroan olivines in its type II chondrules. In combination with findings of previous studies, our data thus confirm the variability of Cr contents in ferroan olivines in type II chondrules as a proxy of thermal metamorphism. Furthermore, our results reveal that Piancaldoli is less altered than previously reported and should be reclassified as an LL3.10 unequilibrated ordinary chondrite. Our results also imply that the bulk deuterium enrichment, as observed in Piancaldoli (LL3.10), Bishunpur (LL3.15), and Semarkona (LL3.00), is a specific signature of the most primitive unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. Based on our results, we propose that, to date, Piancaldoli is the second least‐altered unequilibrated ordinary chondrite fall after Semarkona. This work reiterates the importance of meteorite collections worldwide as fundamental resources for studying the formation conditions and evolution of our solar system.
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