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carbonaceous chondrite
carbonaceous chondrite The most primitive of the three main classes of chondrite meteorite, with compositions that most nearly resemble that of the Sun, except for the most volatile elements. They probably date from early in the formation of the Solar System. Carbonaceous chondrites are divided into four subgroups on the basis of composition: CI, CM, CO, and CV. The CI subgroup are the most primitive, having the lowest density, the highest content of volatiles and carbon, and compositions most closely resembling that of the Sun; they contain no chondrules. Type CM contain less than 15% chondrules with average diameter around 0.3 mm. Type CO contain 35–40% chondrules, with typical diameters of 0.2–0.3 mm. Type CV also contain 35–45% chondrules, but with average diameters of about 1 mm. Each subgroup may be further divided into various subtypes on the basis of their texture and mineralogy (e.g. CI1, CM2, CO3, and CV3). All groups contain complex organic molecules.
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"carbonaceous chondrite." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "carbonaceous chondrite." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-carbonaceouschondrite.html "carbonaceous chondrite." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-carbonaceouschondrite.html |
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carbonaceous chondrite
carbonaceous chondrite Dull, black stony meteorite, with little or no metal and abundant carbon; iron occurs as sulphide, silicate, or oxide. Carbonaceous chondrites show very little metamorphism but display evidence of chemical alteration by water, which continued after their formation, suggesting the parent body was rocky material mixed with ice. They contain a varied suite of organic compounds, including amino acids and a high content of inert gases. Carbonaceous chondrites have very primitive compositions, comparable to that of the Sun's atmosphere and the nebula from which the solar system formed. See also METEORITE. Compare ACHONDRITE.
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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "carbonaceous chondrite." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "carbonaceous chondrite." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-carbonaceouschondrite.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "carbonaceous chondrite." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-carbonaceouschondrite.html |
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