Constraining the origin of chondrules and tracking the early Solar System history using vanadium, chromium and magnesium isotopes
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Earth Sciences
Abstract
Chondrules are the major component of the most primitive, chondritic meteorites and so are believed to intrinsically linked to accretion of planetary embryos.
As such, constraining the timing and origin of chondrules is central for understanding the early evolution of the solar system and the formation of planets. My
project, "V-Mg-Cr-Chondrule: Constraining the origin of chondrules and tracking the early Solar System history using vanadium, chromium and magnesium
isotopes", tackles outstanding issues on the timing, location and volatile history of chondrule formation. I will apply the V isotope method to study the location
of chondrule formation, from the influence of solar irradiation, which I will compare with 54Cr systematics (nucleosynthetic anomalies) often taken to track
position in a heterogeneous nebula. Coupled radiogenic Cr (my experience) and Mg (expertise from the host) isotope measurements can further date the
chondrule formation (53Mn-53Cr and 26Al-26Mg short-lived chronology), and Cr and Mg stable isotope measurements further trace their volatile history. This
simultaneous application of three isotope systems offers a novel means to address major current ambiguities in understanding chondrule formation, which gives
significant insights into both earth sciences and astronomy.
As such, constraining the timing and origin of chondrules is central for understanding the early evolution of the solar system and the formation of planets. My
project, "V-Mg-Cr-Chondrule: Constraining the origin of chondrules and tracking the early Solar System history using vanadium, chromium and magnesium
isotopes", tackles outstanding issues on the timing, location and volatile history of chondrule formation. I will apply the V isotope method to study the location
of chondrule formation, from the influence of solar irradiation, which I will compare with 54Cr systematics (nucleosynthetic anomalies) often taken to track
position in a heterogeneous nebula. Coupled radiogenic Cr (my experience) and Mg (expertise from the host) isotope measurements can further date the
chondrule formation (53Mn-53Cr and 26Al-26Mg short-lived chronology), and Cr and Mg stable isotope measurements further trace their volatile history. This
simultaneous application of three isotope systems offers a novel means to address major current ambiguities in understanding chondrule formation, which gives
significant insights into both earth sciences and astronomy.
