Cosmogenic nuclides in stony meteorites revisited

Abstract

We present new model calculations for depth and size dependent cosmogenic production rates in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites by galactic cosmic rays. This model, essentially that of Leya et al. (2000a), folds together particle spectra and cross sections for the relevant nuclear reactions, but has been significantly improved due to major improvements in the neutron cross section database and better Monte Carlo modeling of the primary and the secondary particle spectra. The data presented here replace (and extend) the results of our earlier model predictions. Here we give for ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites elemental production rates for the cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 36Cl, 41Ca, 53Mn, 60Fe, and 129I as well as for the noble gas isotopes 3He, 4He, 20Ne, 21Ne, 22Ne, 36Ar, and 38Ar. Using the new data and expressing size and depth scales to the unit [g/cm2], we are able to demonstrate that the matrix effect for both chondrite types is negligible for all target product combinations, except for those which are dominated by thermal or very low energy neutron reactions. Based on the new model predictions, we present a variety of elemental and isotopic production rate ratios allowing for a reliable determination of preatmospheric sizes, shielding depths, cosmic-ray exposure ages, and diffusive losses.