Trapped neon in meteorites

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Abstract

The diffusive fractionation and two-component models for trapped meteoritic neon are re-examined in terms of the isotopic composition of neon in carbonaceous chondrites. Strong evidence is found for the presence of two independent neon components in these meteorites. Murray contains variable amounts of “solar” neon with 20Ne22Ne= 14.3. All carbonaceous chondrites appear to contain a second neon component with 20Ne22Ne= 8.21. The observed ranges of trapped20Ne/22Ne ratios in the carbonaceous chondrites are reflections of varying degrees of mixing of these two types of neon. There is no evidence for severe diffusive losses. The isotopic composition of trapped solar neon in gas-rich meteorites indicates that terrestrial neon as well may not have been produced by the diffusive fractionation of solar neon. Variations in the composition of neon in certain gas-rich chondrites and achondrites suggest that a two-component trapped neon mixture may also be present in these meteorites.

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