Fluid Inclusions in Astromaterials: Direct Samples of Early Solar System Aqueous Fluids

We have become increasingly aware of the fundamental importance of water, and aqueous alteration, on primitive solar-system bodies. All classes of astromaterials studied show some degree of interaction with aqueous fluids. We have direct observations of cryovolcanism of several small solar system bodies (e.g. Saturnian and Jovian moons), and indirect evidence for this process on the moons Europa, Titan, Ganymede, and Miranda, and the Kuiper Belt object Charon, and so are certain of the continuing and widespread importance of aqueous processes across the solar system. Nevertheless, we are still lacking fundamental information such as the location and timing of the aqueous alteration and the detailed nature of the aqueous fluid itself.