Geochemistry of 2-4-mm particles from Apollo 14 soil (14161) and implications regarding igneous components and soil-forming processesThe present paper describes the compositional systematics of 381 particles analyzed from 14161, which was taken near the lunar module as part of the bulk sample. Attention is given to the distribution of lithologies, based on petrographic examination and compositions determined by INAA, and to implications of the compositions of polymict particles regarding igneous precursors and soil-forming processes. It was found that the most abundant particles are the impact-melt lithologies and regolith and fragmental breccias. The mean composition of the entire suite of 2-4-mm particles differs from that of the associated less-than-1-mm fines by having higher concentrations of incompatible trace elements and Na2O, and a lower concentration of CaO. There is a subset of regolith breccia particles and agglutinates in the 2-4-mm particles that have nearly identical compositions and Is/FeO similar to those of the less-than-1-mm fines. It is suggested that these particles are constructional products formed from the local regolith rather than comminuted fragments of ancient regolith breccias.
Document ID
19910057722
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jolliff, B. L. (Washington Univ. Saint Louis, MO, United States)
Korotev, R. L. (Washington Univ. Saint Louis, MO, United States)
Haskin, L. A. (Washington University Saint Louis, MO, United States)