Chondritic meteorite fragments associated with the Permian-Triassic boundary in Antarctica

Science. 2003 Nov 21;302(5649):1388-92. doi: 10.1126/science.1090852.

Abstract

Multiple chondritic meteorite fragments have been found in two sedimentary rock samples from an end-Permian bed at Graphite Peak in Antarctica. The Ni/Fe, Co/Ni, and P/Fe ratios in metal grains; the Fe/Mg and Mn/Fe ratios in olivine and pyroxene; and the chemistry of Fe-, Ni-, P-, and S-bearing oxide in the meteorite fragments are typical of CM-type chondritic meteorites. In one sample, the meteoritic fragments are accompanied by more abundant discrete metal grains, which are also found in an end-Permian bed at Meishan, southern China. We discuss the implications of this finding for a suggested global impact event at the Permian-Triassic boundary.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antarctic Regions
  • Cobalt / analysis
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Iron / analysis
  • Magnesium / analysis
  • Magnetics
  • Manganese / analysis
  • Metals / analysis
  • Meteoroids*
  • Minerals / analysis*
  • Nickel / analysis
  • Oxides / analysis
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Plants
  • Population Density
  • Silicates / analysis
  • Sulfides / analysis
  • Sulfur / analysis
  • Time

Substances

  • Metals
  • Minerals
  • Oxides
  • Silicates
  • Sulfides
  • Phosphorus
  • Cobalt
  • Manganese
  • Sulfur
  • Nickel
  • Iron
  • Magnesium