Micron-scale D/H heterogeneity in chondrite matrices: a signature of the pristine solar system water?

TL;DR

This study uses NanoSIMS imaging to measure hydrogen isotope ratios in chondrite matrices, revealing heterogeneity in D/H ratios that inform on the origin and evolution of water in the early solar system.

Contribution

Introduces a novel NanoSIMS protocol for in-situ D/H ratio measurement, uncovering heterogeneity in water signatures in chondrites that advances understanding of solar system water history.

Findings

Hydrous silicates in Semarkona show high D/H heterogeneity.

Organic matter remains isotopically homogeneous in Semarkona.

Up to 9% contribution of D-rich water to cometary water signatures.

Abstract

Organic matter and hydrous silicates are intimately mixed in the matrix of chondrites and in-situ determination of their individual D/H ratios is therefore challenging. Nevertheless, the D/H ratio of each pure component in this mixture should yield a comprehensible signature of the origin and evolution of water and organic matter in our solar system. We measured hydrogen isotope ratios of organic and hydrous silicates in the matrices of two carbonaceous chondrites (Orgueil CI1 and Renazzo CR2) and one unequilibrated ordinary chondrite (Semarkona, LL3.0). A novel protocol was adopted, involving NanoSIMS imaging of H isotopes of monoatomatic ($H^-$) and molecular ($OH^-$) secondary ions collected at the same location. This allowed the most enriched component with respect to D to be identified in the mixture. Using this protocol, we found that in carbonaceous chondrites the isotopically homogeneous hydrous silicates are mixed with D-rich organic matter. The opposite was observed in Semarkona. Hydrous silicates in Semarkona display highly heterogeneous D/H ratios, ranging from $150$ to $1800$ ${\times}$ $10^{-6}$ (${\delta}D_{SMOW} = -40$ to $10,600$ permil). Organic matter in Semarkona does not show such large isotopic variations. This suggests limited isotopic exchange between the two phases during aqueous alteration. Our study greatly expands the range of water isotopic values measured so far in solar system objects. This D-rich water reservoir was sampled by the LL ordinary chondrite parent body and an estimate (up to 9 %) of its relative contribution to the D/H ratio of water in Oort cloud family comets is proposed.