Trace element contents of selected Antarctic meteorites. I - Weathering effects and ALH A77005, A77257, A77278 and A 77299

Data is examined for volatile/mobile Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Ga, In, Rb, Sb, Se, Te, Tl and Zn in exterior and/or interior samples of four Antarctic meteorites from the Allan Hills (ALH): A77005 (unique achondrite); A77257 (ureilite); A77278 (L3); A77299 (H3). Exterior samples reflect contamination and/or leaching by weathering but trace element (ppm-ppt) contents in interior samples seem reasonable for representatives of these rare meteoritic types. The A77005 achondrite is shown to be related to shergottites; other samples extend compositional ranges previously known for their groups or types. With suitable precautions, Antarctic meteorite finds yield trace element data as reliable as those obtained from previously known falls.