Low-Temperature Aqueous Alteration of Chondrites.
Martin R Lee1, Conel M O'D Alexander2, Addi Bischoff3
1School of Geographical & Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ UK.
Space Science Reviews
|February 7, 2025
Summary
Early Solar System small bodies experienced liquid water alteration, as evidenced by chondritic meteorites. This review examines the processes, products, and timing of these low-temperature aqueous alteration reactions.
Area of Science:
- Cosmochemistry
- Planetary Science
- Geology
Background:
- Chondritic meteorites provide crucial evidence for early liquid water interactions on small bodies.
- Understanding aqueous alteration is key to deciphering the conditions of the early Solar System.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the processes, products, and timings of low-temperature aqueous alteration in various chondrites and asteroids.
- To synthesize insights into alteration conditions, fluid properties, and reaction chronologies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of chondritic lithologies, mineralogy, and petrology.
- Physicochemical modeling and hydrothermal experiments.
- Fluid inclusion analysis and isotope geochemistry (Mn-Cr, I-Xe).
Main Results:
- Detailed characterization of mineralogy and petrology in hydrated chondrites and dark clasts.
- Insights into the nature of aqueous fluids and their reactions with parent body materials.
- Chronological constraints on aqueous alteration events using radiometric dating.
Conclusions:
- Aqueous alteration was a significant process in the early Solar System, shaping the composition of small bodies.
- This review consolidates current knowledge on the conditions, evolution, and timing of these critical early processes.
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