Chemical, thermal and impact processing of asteroidsThe geological effects of impacts, heating, melting, core formation, and aqueous alteration on asteroids are reviewed. A review of possible heat sources appears to favor an important role for electrical induction heating. The effects of each geologic process acting individually and in combination with others, are considered; it is concluded that there is much evidence for impacts during alteration, metamorphism and melting. These interactions vastly increased the geologic diversity of the asteroid belt. Subsequent impacts of cool asteroids did not reduce this diversity. Instead new rock types were created by mixing, brecciation and minor melting.
Document ID
19900039979
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Scott, E. R. D. (New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Taylor, G. J. (New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Newsom, H. E. (New Mexico, University Albuquerque, United States)
Herbert, F. (Arizona, University Tucson, United States)
Zolensky, M. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)