Cosmogenic ²¹Ne and ²²Ne depth profiles in chondrites

Abstract

The production rate profiles of ²¹Ne and ²²Ne as a function of depth in meteoroids due to spallation by solar flare cosmic rays (SCR) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) are calculated and their dependence on size and composition of meteoroids has been evaluated. The GCR production rate at a given depth increases with size for radii <25cm and then decreases whereas the ²²Ne ²¹Ne ratio (NeR) generally decreases with size and depth. The calculated GCR production rates and NeR are consistent with the measurements in several Chondrites. A plot of track production rate vs. NeR shows that some chondrites have NeR values smaller than those expected for their sizes. Thes obeervation suggestsat least a two-stage irradiation for such meteorites; the meteoroid exposure as a small body in the interplanetary space must have been preceded by exposure under deep shielding, possibly in its parent body.