Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7681-2393
Date Available
7-21-2024
Year of Publication
2024
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geology)
Advisor
David P. Moecher
Abstract
Iron meteorites remain the only material view into planetary cores. Despite their scientific relevance, iron meteorites are relatively rare. In June 2021 and March 2022, the Kentucky Geological Survey received requests to identify two metallic specimens discovered in central Kentucky. The specimens were given the provisional names Handys Bend (3175.2 g) and Flax Creek (286.2 g). The goal of this project is to confirm meteoritic origin, characterize their structures and chemistry, assign genetic classifications, and examine potential relations to previous discoveries. Petrography was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Mineral phases were examined using X-Ray diffraction crystallography. Chemical compositions were determined via X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Bulk chemistry and Widmanstätten structures confirmed both specimens are medium octahedrites. Handys Bend exhibits comprehensive kamacite recrystallization and an absence of Neumann band twinning due to cosmic reheating. The meteorite contains abundant troilite and daubréelite nodules. Flax Creek contains numerous silicate melt inclusions and schreibersite and cohenite macroprecipitates enveloped by swathing kamacite. Kamacite bands are knobby, discontinuous, and contain abundant rhabdites and Neumann lamellae. Chemical trends reveal genetic group classifications of IIIAB for Handys Bend and IAB complex for Flax Creek. These are the first meteorite discoveries in Kentucky since 1990.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2024.282
Funding Information
Kentucky Geological Survey - Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky
Commonwealth Research Assistantship
Recommended Citation
Davis, Ethan S.L., "Microstructural, Mineralogical, and Chemical Characterization of the Handys Bend and Flax Creek Meteorites, Kentucky: Relevance for the Iron Meteorite Record" (2024). Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences. 108.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ees_etds/108
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