[meteorite-list] Why isnt documenting meteorites stressed enough?

From: Mark Bowling <minador_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:38:46 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <715698.88233.qm_at_web54507.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> From: "cdtucson at cox.net" cdtucson at cox.net
> This has already been pointed out as another reason co-ords have little relevance. because they do move around. Whether by wind,
> rain , flood ,?whatever. The point is that they do move around after landing. And based on our active planet they may move great distances.
> Remember the post the other day with the fish raining down? The fact that it happened is notable. the co-ords are not of much scientific
> importance.
>
> Why, Because it was as random as all meteorite falls are. And to quote Ted but one more time. " meteorites don't care where they land". I know. > but hunters do!
> Carl

I would agree if proponents of mapping were arguing that the point of collecting coordinates had anything to do with trying to determine if some meteorites prefer to fall in specific areas on the earth.? Yes they do fall randomly and don't care where they land.

One reason for mapping is that it is very helpful for scientist, who may?want to locate future specimens from a specific strewnfield, to know?where they have been found before.? I know that with my limited time I would prefer to hunt inside a strewnfield rather than?trying to figure out where the strewnfield is.? And I imagine that scientist with limited budgets would also prefer to have confirmed locations to check.

Another reason is that it can be useful?for the study of?impact craters, one can learn a lot about impact dynamics by knowing the true extents of a debris field.? Also, it would be useful to combine geologic mapping with meteorite mapping to understand what is happening geomorphologically.? Perhaps if a relationship can be found between specific geologic units, checking those geologic units in a nearby location, the same meteorites may be found there too.

We know that archaeological artifacts move around because of weather, humans and animals, but scientists think it's necessary to carefully map all finds they make.? I don't understand why that is important, but if I had permission to metal detect and track Cortez trail, like one meteorite hunter/detectorist I know does, I would follow his example and take GPS locations for all finds (including anything else the lead scientists ask me to do).? You never know when information might be useful, so spending a couple extra minutes recording information is worthwhile to me.? So while coordinates may be of little relevance, the can have relevance.? I don't want to make this about recording coordinates because there are other things that can be important.? I'm not saying we require everyone to do as I do, but I think it's a best practice.? I want to get into the habit by doing it each time, so that I become more efficient doing it.

And when the information is needed, I will have it available.? And I want to set an example for people new to the hobby.? Are there any scientists out there with an opinion?? I know Rob gave a great list of reasons a while back.? What other things are important to record when recovering a specimen in the field?

Happy hunting,
Mark B.
Vail, AZ
Received on Sat 13 Mar 2010 12:38:46 PM PST