Shock effects and argon loss in samples of the Leedey L6 chondrite experimentally shocked to 29-70 GPa pressures

The recovery of polished 600-micron-thick 7-mm-diameter disk samples and powder samples of the Leedey L6 chondrite from 29-70-GPa experimental shocks is investigated experimentally under vacuum conditions, with a focus on the possible direct shock loss of radiogenic Ar. The results of petrographic examination of the shocked samples and Ar isotope measurements are presented in tables, graphs, and micrographs and characterized in detail. The principal damage mechanisms are identified as mechanical disaggregation and increasing cataclasis, with little melting. The degassing of radiogenic Ar is found to be relatively modest and to increase with shock pressure and sample porosity; it is attributed to a combination of mechanical grain disruption and feldspar melting. It is inferred that Ar loss in naturally shocked materials (especially those showing few signs of melting) probably occurs during extended exposure to high temperatures during impact formation.