Evidence for an impact-induced magnetic fabric in Allende, and exogenous alternatives to the core dynamo theory for Allende magnetization
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We conducted a paleomagnetic study of the matrix of Allende CV3 chondritic meteorite, isolating the matrix’s primary remanent magnetization, measuring its magnetic fabric and estimating the ancient magnetic field intensity. A strong planar magnetic fabric was identified; the remanent magnetization of the matrix was aligned within this plane, suggesting a mechanism relating the magnetic fabric and remanence. The intensity of the matrix’s remanent magnetization was found to be consistent and low (~6 μT). The primary magnetic mineral was found to be pyrrhotite. Given the thermal history of Allende, we conclude that the remanent magnetization formed during or after an impact event. Recent mesoscale impact mode ling, where chondrules and matrix are resolved, has shown that low-velocity collisions can generate significant matrix temperatures, as pore-space compaction attenuates shock energy and dramatically increases the amount of heating. Non-porous chondrules are unaffected, and act as heat-sinks, so matrix temperature excursions are brief. We extend this work to model Allende, and show that a 1km/s planar impact generates bulk porosity, matrix porosity, and fabric in our target that match the observed values. Bimodal mixtures of a highly porous matrix and nominally zero-porosity chondrules, make chondrites uniquely capable of recording transient or unstable fields. Targets that have uniform porosity, e.g., terrestrial impact craters, will not record transient or unstable fields. Rather than a core dynamo, it is therefore possible that the origin of the magnetic field in Allende was the impact itself, or a nebula field recorded during transient impact heating.
Date Issued
2017-07-21
Date Acceptance
2017-05-17
Citation
Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 2017, 52 (10), pp.2132-2146
ISSN
1086-9379
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
2132
End Page
2146
Journal / Book Title
Meteoritics & Planetary Science
Volume
52
Issue
10
Copyright Statement
© 2017 The Authors. Meteoritics & Planetary Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Meteoritical Society.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Sponsor
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Grant Number
ST/J001260/1
ST/N000803/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Geochemistry & Geophysics
EARLY SOLAR-SYSTEM
REVERSAL CURVE DIAGRAMS
BASIN-FORMING IMPACTS
PARENT BODY
CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITES
SHOCK METAMORPHISM
REMANENT MAGNETIZATION
DARK INCLUSION
FIELD
SUSCEPTIBILITY
0201 Astronomical And Space Sciences
0402 Geochemistry
0403 Geology
Publication Status
Published online