Meteorites: A Petrologic, Chemical and Isotopic Synthesis (Cambridge Planetary Science, Series Number 2) - Hardcover

'Graduate students and researchers with geologic training will find Meteorites an invaluable reference for concise distillations of the essential properties of each meteorite group. ... This book pays appropriate homage to the extraordinary treasure trove that falls out of the sky and into our laboratories.' Rhian Jones, University of New Mexico

'Hutchison's book will serve as an invaluable reference for anyone wanting to understand the diversity of meteorites.' Geological Magazine

Meteorite research is fundamental to our understanding of the origin and early history of the Solar System. Some meteorites were produced by melting on asteroids, a few are from the Moon and others are martian. Their study yields a chronology of the first 100 million years of Solar System history and provides evidence that our Sun went through a highly radiative, T Tauri stage. This book considers the mechanism and timing of core formation and basaltic volcanism on asteroids and the effects of heating water-rich bodies. Results from meteorite research are placed in a galactic setting, and a theory is proposed for the origin of the planets of our Solar System. This advanced yet succinct introduction provides a classification of meteorites and discusses their ages and origin. It will be valuable to graduate students and scientists in astrophysics, space research, cosmochemistry, geochemistry, isotope geology and earth and planetary sciences.