Evolution of small planetary bodies: a view from carbonaceous chondrites

Carbonaceous chondrites offer a tangible record of the astrophysical and geological processes occurring in the early solar system. They provide insight into the formation and amalgamation of the first solids, through to the geological evolution of small planetary bodies. In this study, the macroscopic properties of chondrites are related to microscopic features of the chondritic components. The chemical and microstructural properties of chondrules from three selected, but representative CVoxA chondrites are studied and a new chondrule classification scheme is presented. This new scheme is used to help identify the modification of chondrules by nebular and parent-body interactions which leads to a refined model for variable alteration of the CV parent-body. Neutron computed tomography is used to visualise and quantify the components of CV and CM type chondrites. On this basis, a simplified model for the formation of CM and CV chondrites is presented.