Water and volatile element accretion to the inner planets

Abstract

This thesis investigates the timing and source(s) of water and volatile elements to the inner solar system by studying the basaltic meteorites angrites and eucrites. In chapters 2 and 3, I present the results from angrite meteorites. Chapter 2 examines the water and volatile element content of the angrite parent body and I suggest that some water and other volatile elements accreted to inner solar system bodies by ~2 Myr after the start of the solar system. Chapter 3 examines the D/H of this water and I suggest it is derived from carbonaceous chondrites. Chapter 4, 5, 6, and 7 addresses eucrite meteorites. Chapter 4 expands on existing models to explain geochemical trends observed in eucrites. In Chapter 5, I examine the water and F content of the eucrite parent body, 4 Vesta. In chapter 6, I determine the source of water for 4 Vesta and determine that carbonaceous chondrites delivered water to this body. Chapter 7 discusses degassing on 4 Vesta while it was forming.