Fallen stars by the tonne.
Abstract
The top few meters of the earth's surface harbor large numbers of meteorites. Their recovery in significant quantities from a given area largely depends on careful canvassing and education of the population to recognize fallen meteorites at different stages of weathering. Limestone deserts, such as the Nullarbor Plain in central west Australia, are fruitful sources of meteorites, as impacting meteorites either shatter or bounce on the hard surface. Meteorites have also recently been found in quantity in Antartica at sites of glacial blockage. The disparity between the relative frequency stones and irons in meteorite falls and finds is explained by the more rapid weathering of the former.
- Publication:
-
New Scientist
- Pub Date:
- July 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977NewSc..75...20H
- Keywords:
-
- Achondrites;
- Chondrites;
- Iron Meteorites;
- Meteoritic Composition;
- Meteoroid Concentration;
- Antarctic Regions;
- Australia;
- Erosion;
- Searching;
- Weathering;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration;
- Meteorites;
- Meteorite Craters