[meteorite-list] Effects of winds aloft on darkflight phase

From: Matson, Robert D. <ROBERT.D.MATSON_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:44:19 -0700
Message-ID: <7C640E28081AEE4B952F008D1E913F1702F54EDF_at_0461-its-exmb04.us.saic.com>

Hi Chauncey,

> It would seem that there has been significant data captured fairly
> recently on the effects of winds aloft on the darkflight phase of a
> meteorite's journey. I recall that the winds had shifted the axis of
> the strewnfield from the track of the bolide in cases like Park
Forest.

Yes, quite noticeably in that case, as well as in the more recent
Grimsby, Ontario fall. And if multiple meteorites are ever recovered
from the Lorton fall, I expect that axis to be entirely a function
of the very high upper atmospheric winds at the time of that fall.

> So, the question is "What are the observed extremes of the distance
> off axis from the retardation point to arrival on the ground?" Are
> we talking kilometers or possibly 10s of kilometers?

Kilometers certainly. But 10 km or more is unlikely, if only because
the stones that could travel that far off line would be of a size so
small that they are unlikely to be found (in most environments).

--Rob
Received on Tue 16 Mar 2010 07:44:19 PM PDT