Benjamin Botwe' Agyemang, Maste Candidate

Benjamin Botwe’ Agyemang, Masters Candidate

What processes may have formed/controlled the fabrics in ureilites?

Ureilites is a type of meteorite which formed from the disruption of an asteroid. It consists of minerals such as olivine, pigeonite, troilite, and high-pressure carbon phases like graphite and diamond. These meteorites, which are linked to magmatic origins, show signs of shock impact deformation, with their minerals arranged in preferred patterns or orientations called fabrics. However, the mechanisms and processes behind the formation of these fabrics remains uncertain.

My research goal is to investigate whether the fabrics in ureilites formed by either flow alignment process of restite origin, crystal settling process of cumulate origin, or shock deformation process. With the optical microscope and SEM-EBSD (Scanning Electron Microscope-Electron Backscattered Diffraction) techniques, I analyse the texture, crystal shapes and orientations to elucidate the formation history and evolutionary processes of ureilites.

By far, I have examined the textures and deformation of eleven ureilites samples using the petrographic microscope and selected six for further studies using the SEM-EBSD technique. Data has been acquired and processed from all 6 samples and my results so far suggests a flow alignment process of restite origin. Therefore, I am currently collating all my findings/results to construct a befitting model supporting flow alignment process. I am also aiming to produce a preliminary abstract and a poster for presentation at the GSA conference in March. With these engagements, I look forward to defending my thesis and celebrating my graduation during the summer break in June 2025.