The non-trivial problem of meteorite pairing

Citation
Ph. Benoit et al., The non-trivial problem of meteorite pairing, METEORIT PL, 35(2), 2000, pp. 393-417
Citations number
143
Categorie Soggetti
Earth Sciences
Journal title
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
ISSN journal
10869379 → ACNP
Volume
35
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
393 - 417
Database
ISI
SICI code
1086-9379(200003)35:2<393:TNPOMP>2.0.ZU;2-F
Abstract
Fairing is the procedure of identifying fragments of a single meteorite fal l (that were separated during atmospheric passage or during terrestrial his tory) by establishing the similarity of two or more meteorite fragments. We argue that pairing is governed by two principles, that only a single misma tch of properties is required to refute a proposed pairing, and that virtua lly all pairings bear some degree of uncertainty. Using data distributions for modern falls, we take a probability approach to estimate degrees of cer tainty associated with proposed pairings, emphasizing the importance of unu sual features. For new pairing criteria or new analytical additions to old criteria, the degree of variation within individual meteorites must be deli neated and the degree of variation within meteorite classes must be quantif ied. Criteria for pairing can be divided into (1) parent body history indic ators, (2) meteoroid space history indicators, and (3) terrestrial history indicators. Included in these categories are 11 specific criteria, includin g petrographic textures, mineralogy and mineral composition, terrestrial ag e estimates, cosmic-ray exposure ages, and natural thermoluminescence (TL) levels. Not all criteria are applicable to all meteorite types. About 2275 pairings suggested in the literature have been subjected to this analysis. Many literature pairings, especially those involving common meteorite types , bear large uncertainties due to lack of data.