Comparative Study of Carbonaceous Meteorites Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and SEM/EDS
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
2-4-2019 10:00 AM
End Date
2-4-2019 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Physics and Astronomy
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Analía Dall'Asén
Mentor's Department
Physics and Astronomy
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The formation of the planets in our solar system is not fully understood. Carbonaceous chondritic meteorites, considered the most primitive surviving materials from the early Solar System, can contribute to understand how planets formed from dust by studying their composition. These relics are mainly composed of chondrules (micro/millimeter-sized inclusions) surrounded by a matrix of microparticles. The mineralogical composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of this kind of meteorites can be characterized at the microscale using micro-Raman spectroscopy, while the topography and elemental composition of these relics can be studied at the micro/nanoscale using SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy). In this work, we present a comparative study of the mineralogical and elemental composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of carbonaceous chondritic meteorites using the aforementioned techniques. We examine how these properties vary in different regions of the chondrules and matrix. In general, Raman spectroscopy results show graphite, pyroxene and olivine, both within and outside the chondrules. Well-defined chondrules, rims and matrix are observed from the SEM images. The results obtained with EDS show that iron is most abundant in the matrix, while the chondrule is enhanced in magnesium. Silicon, aluminum, sodium, calcium, oxygen and carbon are also found in both, chondrule and matrix. Iron and sulfur rims are observed around the chondrules. These findings contribute detailed information about the composition of these chondritic meteorites, helping to understand the origin of the found structures and to unravel the mysteries surrounding the formation of these relics.
Comparative Study of Carbonaceous Meteorites Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and SEM/EDS
CSU Ballroom
The formation of the planets in our solar system is not fully understood. Carbonaceous chondritic meteorites, considered the most primitive surviving materials from the early Solar System, can contribute to understand how planets formed from dust by studying their composition. These relics are mainly composed of chondrules (micro/millimeter-sized inclusions) surrounded by a matrix of microparticles. The mineralogical composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of this kind of meteorites can be characterized at the microscale using micro-Raman spectroscopy, while the topography and elemental composition of these relics can be studied at the micro/nanoscale using SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy). In this work, we present a comparative study of the mineralogical and elemental composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of carbonaceous chondritic meteorites using the aforementioned techniques. We examine how these properties vary in different regions of the chondrules and matrix. In general, Raman spectroscopy results show graphite, pyroxene and olivine, both within and outside the chondrules. Well-defined chondrules, rims and matrix are observed from the SEM images. The results obtained with EDS show that iron is most abundant in the matrix, while the chondrule is enhanced in magnesium. Silicon, aluminum, sodium, calcium, oxygen and carbon are also found in both, chondrule and matrix. Iron and sulfur rims are observed around the chondrules. These findings contribute detailed information about the composition of these chondritic meteorites, helping to understand the origin of the found structures and to unravel the mysteries surrounding the formation of these relics.
Recommended Citation
Kayastha, Rohil. "Comparative Study of Carbonaceous Meteorites Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and SEM/EDS." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 2, 2019.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2019/poster-session-A/5
