AN ACCRETION RIM CONSTRAINT ON CHONDRULE FORMATION THEORIES

We argue that properties of the fine-grained rims, presumably accreted by chondrules during transport subsequent to their formation, may hel p differentiate between chondrule production mechanisms which are ''lo cal'' (at the parent body formation site) and ''distant'' (e,g., close to the protosun, in accretion shocks, or outside the Solar Nebula), S ystematics in the thicknesses of these rims seem most compatible with local production scenarios in which chondrules deplete the dust in a c onfined volume prior to parent body formation. (C) 1998 Academic Press