Matching Items (15)
Description
The origin of the solar system and formation of planets such as Earth are among the most fascinating, outstanding scientific problems. From theoretical models to natural observations, it is possible to infer a general way of how the solar system evolved from the gravitational collapse of the molecular cloud to accretion and differentiation of planetary-sized bodies. This dissertation attempts to place additional constraints on the source, distribution, and evolution of chemical variability in the early solar system, Mars, and Earth.
A new method was developed for the measurement of titanium isotopes in calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) by laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The isotopic compositions of 17 Allende CAIs define a narrow range with clearly resolved excesses in 46Ti and 50Ti and suggests that "normal" CAIs formed from a relatively uniform reservoir. Petrologic and isotopic analysis of a new FUN (Fractionated and Unknown Nuclear effects) CAI suggests that normal and FUN CAIs condensed in similar environments, but subsequently evolved under vastly different conditions.
Volatiles may have influenced the formation and evolution of basaltic magmas on Mars. Light lithophile element (LLE) and fluorine (F) concentrations and isotopic compositions of pyroxene determined in situ in several Martian meteorites suggests that the primary magmatic signature of LLE and F zonation in Shergottite pyroxene has been disturbed by post-crystallization diffusive equilibration. Using relevant crystal-melt partition coefficients the F contents for Martian meteorite parental melts are ~910 and ~220 ppm. Estimates of the F content in the Shergottite and Nakhlite source regions are similar to that of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) and ocean island basalts (OIB), respectively, here on Earth.
Noble gas systematics of OIBs relative to MORBs, suggests OIBs preferentially sample a primordial reservoir located within Earth's mantle. Geodynamic calculations were performed to investigate the time-dependent rate of material entrained into plumes from these primordial reservoirs. These models predict melts rising to the surface will contain variable proportions of primordial material. The results demonstrate that although high 3He/4He ratios may mandate a mantle plume that samples a primordial reservoir, more MORB-like 3He/4He ratios in OIBs do not preclude a deep plume source.
A new method was developed for the measurement of titanium isotopes in calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) by laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The isotopic compositions of 17 Allende CAIs define a narrow range with clearly resolved excesses in 46Ti and 50Ti and suggests that "normal" CAIs formed from a relatively uniform reservoir. Petrologic and isotopic analysis of a new FUN (Fractionated and Unknown Nuclear effects) CAI suggests that normal and FUN CAIs condensed in similar environments, but subsequently evolved under vastly different conditions.
Volatiles may have influenced the formation and evolution of basaltic magmas on Mars. Light lithophile element (LLE) and fluorine (F) concentrations and isotopic compositions of pyroxene determined in situ in several Martian meteorites suggests that the primary magmatic signature of LLE and F zonation in Shergottite pyroxene has been disturbed by post-crystallization diffusive equilibration. Using relevant crystal-melt partition coefficients the F contents for Martian meteorite parental melts are ~910 and ~220 ppm. Estimates of the F content in the Shergottite and Nakhlite source regions are similar to that of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) and ocean island basalts (OIB), respectively, here on Earth.
Noble gas systematics of OIBs relative to MORBs, suggests OIBs preferentially sample a primordial reservoir located within Earth's mantle. Geodynamic calculations were performed to investigate the time-dependent rate of material entrained into plumes from these primordial reservoirs. These models predict melts rising to the surface will contain variable proportions of primordial material. The results demonstrate that although high 3He/4He ratios may mandate a mantle plume that samples a primordial reservoir, more MORB-like 3He/4He ratios in OIBs do not preclude a deep plume source.
ContributorsWilliams, Curtis Davis (Author) / Wadhwa, Meenakshi (Thesis advisor) / McNamara, Allen K (Committee member) / Bell, David R. (Committee member) / Garnero, Edward J (Committee member) / Young, Patrick (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
Boron concentrations and isotopic composition of phlogopite mica, amphibole, and selected coexisting anhydrous phases in mantle-derived xenoliths from the Kaapvaal Craton were measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry in an effort to better understand the B isotope geochemistry of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) and its implications for the global geochemical cycle of B in the mantle. These samples display a wide, and previously unrecognized, range in their boron contents and isotopic compositions reflecting a complex history involving melt depletion and metasomatism by subduction- and plume-derived components, as well as late stage isotopic exchange related to kimberlite emplacements. Micas from ancient lithospheric harzburgite metasomatized by slab-derived fluids suggest extensive B-depletion during subduction, resulting in low-B, isotopically light compositions whereas kimberlite-related metasomatic products and a sample from the 2 Ga Palabora carbonatite have boron isotopic compositions similar to proposed primitive mantle. The results suggest that subduction of oceanic lithosphere plays a limited role in the B geochemistry of the convecting mantle.
ContributorsGuild, Meghan R (Author) / Hervig, Richard L (Thesis advisor) / Bell, David R. (Committee member) / Mcnamara, Allen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
The occurrence of exogenic, meteoritic materials on the surface of any world presents opportunities to explore a variety of significant problems in the planetary sciences. In the case of Mars, meteorites found on its surface may help to 1) constrain atmospheric conditions during their time of arrival; 2) provide insights into possible variabilities in meteoroid type sampling between Mars and Earth space environments; 3) aid in our understanding of soil, dust, and sedimentary rock chemistry; 4) assist with the calibration of crater-age dating techniques; and 5) provide witness samples for chemical and mechanical weathering processes. The presence of reduced metallic iron in approximately 88 percent of meteorite falls renders the majority of meteorites particularly sensitive to oxidation by H2O interaction. This makes them excellent markers for H2O occurrence. Several large meteorites have been discovered at Gusev Crater and Meridiani Planum by the Mars Exploration Rovers (MERs). Significant morphologic characteristics interpretable as weathering features in the Meridiani suite of iron meteorites include a 1) large pit lined with delicate iron protrusions suggestive of inclusion removal by corrosive interaction; 2) differentially eroded kamacite and taenite lamellae on three of the meteorites, providing relative timing through cross-cutting relationships with deposition of 3) an iron oxide-rich dark coating; and 4) regmaglypted surfaces testifying to regions of minimal surface modification; with other regions in the same meteorites exhibiting 5) large-scale, cavernous weathering. Iron meteorites found by Mini-TES at both Meridiani Planum and Gusev Crater have prompted laboratory experiments designed to explore elements of reflectivity, dust cover, and potential oxide coatings on their surfaces in the thermal infrared using analog samples. Results show that dust thickness on an iron substrate need be only one tenth as great as that on a silicate rock to obscure its infrared signal. In addition, a database of thermal emission spectra for 46 meteorites was prepared to aid in the on-going detection and interpretation of these valuable rocks on Mars using Mini-TES instruments on both MER spacecraft. Applications to the asteroidal sciences are also relevant and intended for this database.
ContributorsAshley, James Warren (Author) / Christensen, Philip R. (Thesis advisor) / Sharp, Thomas G (Committee member) / Shock, Everett L (Committee member) / Hervig, Richard L (Committee member) / Zolotov, Mikhail Y (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Fluorine (F) is a volatile constituent of magmas and hydrous mantle minerals. Compared to other volatile species, F is highly soluble in silicate melts, allowing F to remain in the melt during magma differentiation and rendering F less subject to disturbance during degassing upon magma ascent. Hence, the association between fluorine in basalts and fluorine in the mantle source region is more robust than for other volatile species. The ionic radius of F- is similar to that of OH- and O2-, and F may substitute for hydroxyl and oxygen in silicate minerals and melt. Fluorine is also incorporated at trace levels within nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) such as olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase. Investigating the geochemical behavior of F in NAMs provides a means to estimate the pre-eruptive F contents of degassed magmas and to better understand the degassing behavior of H. The partition coefficients of F were determined for clinopyroxene, olivine, plagioclase, and hornblende within melts of olivine-minette, augite-minette, basaltic andesite, and latite compositions. The samples analyzed were run products from previously-published phase-equilibria experiments. Fluorine was measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) using an 16O- primary beam and detection of negative secondary ions (19F-, 18O-, 28Si-). SIMS ion intensities are converted to concentrations by analyzing matrix-matched microanalytical reference materials and constructing calibration curves. For robust F calibration standards, five basaltic glasses (termed Fba glasses) were synthesized in-house using a natural tholeiite mixed with variable amounts of CaF2. The Fba glasses were characterized for F content and homogeneity, using both SIMS and electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA), and used as F standards. The partition coefficients for clinopyroxene (0.04-028) and olivine (0.01-0.16) varied with melt composition such that DF (olivine-minette) < DF (augite-minette) < DF (basaltic andesite) < DF (latite). Crystal chemical controls were found to influence the incorporation of F into clinopyroxene, but none were found that affected olivine. Fluorine partitioning was compared with that of OH within clinopyroxenes, and the alumina content of clinopyroxene was shown to be a strong influence on the incorporation of both anions. Fluorine substitution into both olivine and clinopyroxene was found to be strongly controlled by melt viscosity and degree of melt polymerization.
ContributorsGuggino, Steve (Author) / Hervig, Richard L (Thesis advisor) / Donald, Burt M (Committee member) / Amanda, Clarke B (Committee member) / Lynda, Williams B (Committee member) / Stanley, Williams N (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
Explosive mafic (basaltic) volcanism is not easily explained by current eruption models, which predict low energy eruptions from low viscosity magma due to decoupling of volatiles (gases). Sunset Crater volcano provides an example of an alkali basalt magma that produced a highly explosive sub-Plinian eruption. I investigate the possible role of magmatic volatiles in the Sunset Crater eruption through study of natural samples of trapped volatiles (melt inclusions) and experiments on mixed-volatile (H2O-CO2) solubility in alkali-rich mafic magmas.
I conducted volatile-saturated experiments in six mafic magma compositions at pressures between 400 MPa and 600 MPa to investigate the influence of alkali elements (sodium and potassium) on volatile solubility. The experiments show that existing volatile solubility models do not accurately describe CO2 solubility at mid-crustal depths. I calculate thermodynamic fits for solubility in each composition and calibrate a general thermodynamic model for application to other mafic magmas. The model shows that the relative percent abundances of sodium, calcium, and potassium have the greatest influence on CO2 solubility in mafic magmas.
I analyzed olivine-hosted melt inclusions (MIs) from Sunset Crater to investigate pre-eruptive volatiles. I compared the early fissure activity to the sub-Plinian eruptive phases. The MIs are similar in major element and volatile composition suggesting a relatively homogeneous magma. The H2O content is relatively low (~1.2 wt%), whereas the dissolved CO2 content is high (~2300 ppm). I explored rehomogenization and Raman spectroscopy to quantify CO2 abundance in MI vapor bubbles. Calculations of post-entrapment bubble growth suggest that some MI bubbles contain excess CO2. This implies that the magma was volatile-saturated and MIs trapped exsolved vapor during their formation. The total volatile contents of MIs, including bubble contents but excluding excess vapor, indicate pre-eruptive magma storage from 10 km to 18 km depth.
The high CO2 abundance found in Sunset Crater MIs allowed the magma to reach volatile-saturation at mid-crustal depths and generate overpressure, driving rapid ascent to produce the explosive eruption. The similarities in MIs and volatiles between the fissure eruption and the sub-Plinian phases indicate that shallow-level processes also likely influenced the final eruptive behavior.
I conducted volatile-saturated experiments in six mafic magma compositions at pressures between 400 MPa and 600 MPa to investigate the influence of alkali elements (sodium and potassium) on volatile solubility. The experiments show that existing volatile solubility models do not accurately describe CO2 solubility at mid-crustal depths. I calculate thermodynamic fits for solubility in each composition and calibrate a general thermodynamic model for application to other mafic magmas. The model shows that the relative percent abundances of sodium, calcium, and potassium have the greatest influence on CO2 solubility in mafic magmas.
I analyzed olivine-hosted melt inclusions (MIs) from Sunset Crater to investigate pre-eruptive volatiles. I compared the early fissure activity to the sub-Plinian eruptive phases. The MIs are similar in major element and volatile composition suggesting a relatively homogeneous magma. The H2O content is relatively low (~1.2 wt%), whereas the dissolved CO2 content is high (~2300 ppm). I explored rehomogenization and Raman spectroscopy to quantify CO2 abundance in MI vapor bubbles. Calculations of post-entrapment bubble growth suggest that some MI bubbles contain excess CO2. This implies that the magma was volatile-saturated and MIs trapped exsolved vapor during their formation. The total volatile contents of MIs, including bubble contents but excluding excess vapor, indicate pre-eruptive magma storage from 10 km to 18 km depth.
The high CO2 abundance found in Sunset Crater MIs allowed the magma to reach volatile-saturation at mid-crustal depths and generate overpressure, driving rapid ascent to produce the explosive eruption. The similarities in MIs and volatiles between the fissure eruption and the sub-Plinian phases indicate that shallow-level processes also likely influenced the final eruptive behavior.
ContributorsAllison, Chelsea Maria (Author) / Clarke, Amanda B (Thesis advisor) / Hervig, Richard L (Committee member) / Roggensack, Kurt (Committee member) / Semken, Steven (Committee member) / Till, Christy B. (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
Oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) is a thermodynamic variable used to represent the redox state of a material or a system. It is equivalent to the partial pressure of oxygen in a particular environment corrected for the non-ideal behavior of the gas. ƒO2 is often used to indicate the potential for iron to occur in a more oxidized or reduced state at a particular temperature and pressure in a natural system. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is a powerful analytical instrument that can be used to analyze elemental and isotopic compositional information about microscopic features within solid materials. SIMS analyses of the secondary ion energy distribution of semi-pure metals demonstrate that the energy spectrum of individual mass lines can provide information about alterations in its surface environment.
The application of high-resolution (see Appendix C) energy spectrum calibrations to natural ilmenite led to the investigation of zirconium (90Zr+) and niobium (93Nb+) as potential indicators of sample ƒO2. Energy spectrum measurements were performed on an array of ilmenite crystals from the earth’s upper mantle retrieved from kimberlites and from a reduced meteorite. In all studied materials, variability in the peak shape and width of the energy spectra has been correlated with inferred sample ƒO2. The best descriptor of this relationship is the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM; see Appendix C) of the energy spectra for each sample. It has been estimated that a 1eV change in the FWHM of 93Nb+ energy spectra is roughly equivalent to 1 log unit ƒO2. Simple estimates of precision suggest the FWHM values can be trusted to 1eV and sample ƒO2 can be predicted to ±1 log unit, assuming the temperature of formation is known.
The work of this thesis also explores the applicability of this technique beyond analysis of semi-pure metals and ilmenite crystals from kimberlites. This technique was applied to titanium oxides experimentally formed at known ƒO2 as well as an ilmenite crystal that showed compositional variations across the grain (i.e., core to rim chemical variations). Analyses of titanium oxides formed at known ƒO2 agree with the estimation that 1 eV change in the FWHM of 93Nb+ is equivalent to ~1 log unit ƒO2 (in all cases but one); this is also true for analyses of a natural ilmenite crystal with compositional variations across the grain.
The application of high-resolution (see Appendix C) energy spectrum calibrations to natural ilmenite led to the investigation of zirconium (90Zr+) and niobium (93Nb+) as potential indicators of sample ƒO2. Energy spectrum measurements were performed on an array of ilmenite crystals from the earth’s upper mantle retrieved from kimberlites and from a reduced meteorite. In all studied materials, variability in the peak shape and width of the energy spectra has been correlated with inferred sample ƒO2. The best descriptor of this relationship is the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM; see Appendix C) of the energy spectra for each sample. It has been estimated that a 1eV change in the FWHM of 93Nb+ energy spectra is roughly equivalent to 1 log unit ƒO2. Simple estimates of precision suggest the FWHM values can be trusted to 1eV and sample ƒO2 can be predicted to ±1 log unit, assuming the temperature of formation is known.
The work of this thesis also explores the applicability of this technique beyond analysis of semi-pure metals and ilmenite crystals from kimberlites. This technique was applied to titanium oxides experimentally formed at known ƒO2 as well as an ilmenite crystal that showed compositional variations across the grain (i.e., core to rim chemical variations). Analyses of titanium oxides formed at known ƒO2 agree with the estimation that 1 eV change in the FWHM of 93Nb+ is equivalent to ~1 log unit ƒO2 (in all cases but one); this is also true for analyses of a natural ilmenite crystal with compositional variations across the grain.
ContributorsDillon, Sarah Marie (Author) / Hervig, Richard L (Thesis advisor) / Shim, Sang-Heon (Committee member) / Williams, Peter (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Volcanic devolatilization is one of the major processes in the global nitrogen cycle. Past studies have often estimated the magnitude of this flux using volcanic emission measurements, which are limited to currently active systems and sensitive to atmospheric contamination. A different methodological approach requires appropriate analytical parameters for nitrogen analysis in silicate glasses by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), which have not yet been established. To this end, we analyze various ion implanted basaltic and rhyolitic glasses by SIMS. We demonstrate that water content significantly affects the ion yields of 14N+ and 14N16O−, as well as the background intensity of 14N+ and 12C+. Application of implant-derived calibrations to natural samples provide the first reported concentrations of nitrogen in melt inclusions. These measurements are from samples from the Bishop Tuff in California, the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff of the Yellowstone Volcanic Center, and material from the Okaia and Oruanui eruptions in the Taupo Volcanic Center. In all studied material, we find maximum nitrogen contents of less than 45 ppm and that nitrogen concentration varies positively with CO2 concentration, which is interpreted to reflect partial degassing trend. Using the maximum measured nitrogen contents for each eruption, we find that the Bishop released >3.6 x 1013 g of nitrogen, the Huckleberry Ridge released >1.3 x 1014 g, the Okaia released >1.1 x 1011 g of nitrogen, the Oruanui released >4.7 x 1013 g of nitrogen. Simple calculations suggest that with concentrations such as these, rhyolitic eruptions may ephemerally increase the nitrogen flux to the atmosphere, but are insignificant compared to the 4 x 1021 g of nitrogen stored in the atmosphere.
ContributorsRegier, Margo Elaine (Author) / Hervig, Richard L (Thesis advisor) / Roggensack, Kurt (Committee member) / Till, Christy B. (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
The present work covers two distinct microanalytical studies that address issues in planetary materials: (1) Genesis Na and K solar wind (SW) measurements, and (2) the effect of water on high-pressure olivine phase transformations.
NASA’s Genesis mission collected SW samples for terrestrial analysis to create a baseline of solar chemical abundances based on direct measurement of solar material. Traditionally, solar abundances are estimated using spectroscopic or meteoritic data. This study measured bulk SW Na and K in two different Genesis SW collector materials (diamond-like carbon (DlC) and silicon) for comparison with these other solar references. Novel techniques were developed for Genesis DlC analysis. Solar wind Na fluence measurements derived from backside depth profiling are generally lower in DlC than Si, despite the use of internal standards. Nevertheless, relative to Mg, the average SW Na and K abundances measured in Genesis wafers are in agreement with solar photospheric and CI chondrite abundances, and with other SW elements with low first ionization potential (within error). The average Genesis SW Na and K fluences are 1.01e11 (+9e09, -2e10) atoms/cm2 and 5.1e09 (+8e08, -8e08) atoms/cm2, respectively. The errors reflect average systematic errors. Results have implications for (1) SW formation models, (2) cosmochemistry based on solar material rather than photospheric measurements or meteorites, and (3) the accurate measurement of solar wind ion abundances in Genesis collectors, particularly DlC and Si.
Deep focus earthquakes have been attributed to rapid transformation of metastable olivine within the mantle transition zone (MTZ). However, the presence of H2O acts to overcome metastability, promoting phase transformation in olivine, so olivine must be relatively anhydrous (<75 ppmw) to remain metastable to depth. A microtextural analysis of olivine phase transformation products was conducted to test the feasibility for subducting olivine to persist metastably to the MTZ. Transformation (as intracrystalline or rim nucleation) shifts from ringwoodite to ringwoodite-wadsleyite nucleation with decreasing H2O content within olivine grains. To provide accurate predictions for olivine metastability at depth, olivine transformation models must reflect how changing H2O distributions lead to complex changes in strain and reaction rates within different parts of a transforming olivine grain.
NASA’s Genesis mission collected SW samples for terrestrial analysis to create a baseline of solar chemical abundances based on direct measurement of solar material. Traditionally, solar abundances are estimated using spectroscopic or meteoritic data. This study measured bulk SW Na and K in two different Genesis SW collector materials (diamond-like carbon (DlC) and silicon) for comparison with these other solar references. Novel techniques were developed for Genesis DlC analysis. Solar wind Na fluence measurements derived from backside depth profiling are generally lower in DlC than Si, despite the use of internal standards. Nevertheless, relative to Mg, the average SW Na and K abundances measured in Genesis wafers are in agreement with solar photospheric and CI chondrite abundances, and with other SW elements with low first ionization potential (within error). The average Genesis SW Na and K fluences are 1.01e11 (+9e09, -2e10) atoms/cm2 and 5.1e09 (+8e08, -8e08) atoms/cm2, respectively. The errors reflect average systematic errors. Results have implications for (1) SW formation models, (2) cosmochemistry based on solar material rather than photospheric measurements or meteorites, and (3) the accurate measurement of solar wind ion abundances in Genesis collectors, particularly DlC and Si.
Deep focus earthquakes have been attributed to rapid transformation of metastable olivine within the mantle transition zone (MTZ). However, the presence of H2O acts to overcome metastability, promoting phase transformation in olivine, so olivine must be relatively anhydrous (<75 ppmw) to remain metastable to depth. A microtextural analysis of olivine phase transformation products was conducted to test the feasibility for subducting olivine to persist metastably to the MTZ. Transformation (as intracrystalline or rim nucleation) shifts from ringwoodite to ringwoodite-wadsleyite nucleation with decreasing H2O content within olivine grains. To provide accurate predictions for olivine metastability at depth, olivine transformation models must reflect how changing H2O distributions lead to complex changes in strain and reaction rates within different parts of a transforming olivine grain.
ContributorsRieck, Karen Dianne (Author) / Hervig, Richard L (Thesis advisor) / Sharp, Thomas G (Thesis advisor) / Jurewicz, Amy J G (Committee member) / Wadhwa, Meenakshi (Committee member) / Williams, Peter (Committee member) / Young, Patrick A (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
Impact cratering has played a key role in the evolution of the solid surfaces of Solar System bodies. While much of Earth’s impact record has been erased, its Moon preserves an extensive history of bombardment. Quantifying the timing of lunar impact events is crucial to understanding how impacts have shaped the evolution of early Earth, and provides the basis for estimating the ages of other cratered surfaces in the Solar System.
Many lunar impact melt rocks are complex mixtures of glassy and crystalline “melt” materials and inherited clasts of pre-impact minerals and rocks. If analyzed in bulk, these samples can yield complicated incremental release 40Ar/39Ar spectra, making it challenging to uniquely interpret impact ages. Here, I have used a combination of high-spatial resolution 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and thermal-kinetic modeling to gain new insights into the impact histories recorded by such lunar samples.
To compare my data to those of previous studies, I developed a software tool to account for differences in the decay, isotopic, and monitor age parameters used for different published 40Ar/39Ar datasets. Using an ultraviolet laser ablation microprobe (UVLAMP) system I selectively dated melt and clast components of impact melt rocks collected during the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. UVLAMP 40Ar/39Ar data for samples 77135, 60315, 61015, and 63355 show evidence of open-system behavior, and provide new insights into how to interpret some complexities of published incremental heating 40Ar/39Ar spectra. Samples 77115, 63525, 63549, and 65015 have relatively simple thermal histories, and UVLAMP 40Ar/39Ar data for the melt components of these rocks indicate the timing of impact events—spanning hundreds of millions of years—that influenced the Apollo 16 and 17 sites. My modeling and UVLAMP 40Ar/39Ar data for sample 73217 indicate that some impact melt rocks can quantitatively retain evidence for multiple melt-producing impact events, and imply that such polygenetic rocks should be regarded as high-value sampling opportunities during future exploration missions to cratered planetary surfaces. Collectively, my results complement previous incremental heating 40Ar/39Ar studies, and support interpretations that the Moon experienced a prolonged period of heavy bombardment early in its history.
Many lunar impact melt rocks are complex mixtures of glassy and crystalline “melt” materials and inherited clasts of pre-impact minerals and rocks. If analyzed in bulk, these samples can yield complicated incremental release 40Ar/39Ar spectra, making it challenging to uniquely interpret impact ages. Here, I have used a combination of high-spatial resolution 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and thermal-kinetic modeling to gain new insights into the impact histories recorded by such lunar samples.
To compare my data to those of previous studies, I developed a software tool to account for differences in the decay, isotopic, and monitor age parameters used for different published 40Ar/39Ar datasets. Using an ultraviolet laser ablation microprobe (UVLAMP) system I selectively dated melt and clast components of impact melt rocks collected during the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. UVLAMP 40Ar/39Ar data for samples 77135, 60315, 61015, and 63355 show evidence of open-system behavior, and provide new insights into how to interpret some complexities of published incremental heating 40Ar/39Ar spectra. Samples 77115, 63525, 63549, and 65015 have relatively simple thermal histories, and UVLAMP 40Ar/39Ar data for the melt components of these rocks indicate the timing of impact events—spanning hundreds of millions of years—that influenced the Apollo 16 and 17 sites. My modeling and UVLAMP 40Ar/39Ar data for sample 73217 indicate that some impact melt rocks can quantitatively retain evidence for multiple melt-producing impact events, and imply that such polygenetic rocks should be regarded as high-value sampling opportunities during future exploration missions to cratered planetary surfaces. Collectively, my results complement previous incremental heating 40Ar/39Ar studies, and support interpretations that the Moon experienced a prolonged period of heavy bombardment early in its history.
ContributorsMercer, Cameron Mark (Author) / Hodges, Kip V (Thesis advisor) / Robinson, Mark S (Committee member) / Wadhwa, Meenakshi (Committee member) / Desch, Steven J (Committee member) / Hervig, Richard L (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
Planetary surfaces are constantly evolving through a series of endogenic and exogenic processes. Multi-temporal observations enable the detection of these newly formed surface changes. Analysis techniques of these observations require precise image geolocation obtainable only with accurate optical and projection distortion corrections. In this study, the Clementine Ultraviolet-Visible camera is geometrically calibrated, and the spacecraft orientation knowledge is refined, aligning the entire dataset to the reference frame defined by the more recent Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. This direct registration approach improved the geolocation to within 0.084 pixels (i.e., sub-pixel), enabling new optical maturity and mineral composition maps aligned with the present reference frame.Next, new surface changes on Mercury are discovered with a geometrically calibrated Mercury Dual Imaging Camera suite. Over twenty surface changes varying in size from 450 to 4400 meters are identified that formed between 2011 to 2015. Exogenic impacts do not explain all the surface changes witnessed. Some changes occurred on slopes near prominent tectonic features suggesting a potential tie to seismic activity. A pair of other reflectance changes were identified around hollow formations, meaning the surface feature is still evolving. This temporal dataset provides the first direct evidence of endogenic and exogenic activities of the innermost planet.
Lastly, the color and photometric properties of newly formed impact craters are explored using hundreds of observations acquired before and post-impact. These observations reveal new details about the distal surface changes associated with the impact process. Phase ratio imaging enables a measurement of the phase curve slope, including near opposition (phase ~ 0°). While the entire proximal ejecta blanket shows an increase in the optical surface roughness properties, the region adjacent to the crater rim (1.0 to 1.25 crater radii from the center) expresses a broadening of the opposition surge consistent with the presence of fine-scale surface particles and rocks. Finally, Hapke parameters and color maps are also derived for the entire region before and after the impact event to quantify changes in surface properties and the maturity state of the regolith. This work provides new insight into the broad extent of surface modifications around newly formed craters.
ContributorsSpeyerer, Emerson (Author) / Robinson, Mark S (Thesis advisor) / Bell, James F (Committee member) / Hervig, Richard L (Committee member) / Scowen, Paul A (Committee member) / Zolotov, Mikhail Y (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023