AW: [meteorite-list] meteorites in situ in the desert

From: Dr. Svend Buhl <info_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon Mar 6 10:20:16 2006
Message-ID: <15035373.126491141658411065.JavaMail.servlet_at_kundenserver>

Hi Stan and others,

we do have a number of insitu photographs shown in our expedition journals: >http://www.niger-meteorite-recon.de/en/libyen2004_fotostory.htm

But if you plan to prospect for meteorites in hot deserts I would recommend to
study the morphology of rocks common on your target surface more then the characteristics of meteorites itself. According to our experience finding meteorites on a desert surface is much more a question of distinction than of recognition.

Usually a lot of precious on-site time goes for the acquaintance with the local rock variations. Knowledge of the underlying stratigraphy is helpful as most surfaces (e.g. the Hammada al Hamra or the Hammada du Dra) resemble a horizontal cut through different layers.

On erosion surfaces, which most of the meteorite aggregation areas are,
certain lumps of minerals embedded in the differnt layers weather out of the bedrock. Over the centuries they concentrate at the surface. As some of these minerals tend to withstand chemical and mechanical weathering much better then the bedrock itself they will look alien to the unaqquainted eye and call your attention whenever passing one by.

Also many meteorite aggregation surfaces that are extremely arid today underwent periods of a more humid climate. Alluvial deposits are common for example in The Tenere Taffassasset desert. At such place you will find rocks transported from regions tens or hundreds of kilos further up. So one should have an overview of the surrounding geology as well.

So maybe thats a point you may turn your attention to as well. There is a large number of fine illustrated literature concerning the geology of almost every desert in the world. If you narrow your target destination I may able to point you to more specific literature.

Hope this helps

Svend

www.niger-meteorite-recon.de


>>I know the comet shop guys have a large number of photos of meteorites found
>
>>in situ, but I was wondering if anyone else would ahve any, or have any
>>links to meteorites found in situ, preferably in dry, desert type
>>environemnts. Preferably rocks that are hard to distinguish as meteorites
>>such as planetary and achonderites.
>>
>>TIA
>>
>>
>>______________________________________________
>>Meteorite-list mailing list
>>Meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com
>>http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Received on Mon 06 Mar 2006 10:20:11 AM PST