Modification of REE distribution of ordinary chondrites from Atacama (Chile) and Lut (Iran) hot deserts: Insights into the chemical weathering of meteorites

Meteorites from hot deserts exhibit distinct rare earth element (REE) modifications due to chemical weathering, with Atacama (Chile) chondrites showing significant LREE enrichment and Ce anomalies, while Lut (Iran) meteorites display less REE alteration despite notable Sr content changes. This study used ICP-MS to analyze OC falls, revealing that Atacama's stable surfaces allow prolonged terrestrial interaction, leading to contamination by soil-derived trivalent REEs. Conversely, Lut's rapid weathering forms voluminous Fe oxides, limiting REE penetration. Findings underscore the need for caution when interpreting REE data from Atacama meteorites for cosmochemical applications, as their composition may be altered by terrestrial processes.

Pourkhorsandi, H., D’Orazio, M., Rochette, P., Valenzuela, M., Gattacceca, J., Mirnejad, H., Sutter, B., Hutzler, A., & Aboulahris, M. (2017). Modification of REE distribution of ordinary chondrites from Atacama (Chile) and Lut (Iran) hot deserts: Insights into the chemical weathering of meteorites. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 52(9), 1843–1858. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.12894