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Interplanetary dust in the transmission electron microscope - Diverse materials from the early solar systemAn analytical electron microscope study of dispersed interplanetary dust aggregates collected in the earth's stratosphere shows that, in spite of their similarities, the aggregates exhibit significant differences in composition, internal morphology, and mineralogy. Of 11 chondritic particles examined, two consist mostly of a noncrystalline chondritic material with an atomic S/Fe ratio equal to or greater than 2 in places, one consists of submicron metal and reduced silicate 'microchondrules' and sulfide grains embedded in a carbonaceous matrix, and another consists of submicron magnetic-decorated unequilibrated silicate and sulfide grains with thick low-Z coatings. Although the particles are unmetamorphosed by criteria commonly applied for chondritic meteorites, the presence of reduced chemistries and the ubiquity of mafic, instead of hydrated, silicates confirm that they are not simply C1 or C2 chondrite matrix material. The observations indicate that portions of some particles have not been significantly altered by thermal or radiation processes since their assembly, and that the particles probably contain fine debris from diverse processes in the early solar system.
Document ID
19810054119
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Fraundorf, P.
(Washington University St. Louis, MO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Volume: 45
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A38523
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-26-008-065
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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