Larry Taylor

University of Tennessee | UTK · Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

High Fidelity Lunar Agglutinate Simulant

We investigate the effect of English language proficiency on the wages of native full-time employees in Poland. Using a unique data set with information on over 600,000 survey respondents polled over the five-year period from 2013 to 2017, we employ an IV approach founded on a natural experiment - namely, the reform of foreign language instruction...

An aragonite inclusion in natural diamond was identified using techniques of transmission electron microscopy, electron microdiffraction, and microprobe analysis. The inclusion is hosted in a colorless octahedral diamond crystal from the Komslomolskaya pipe in Yakutia. The diamond crystal shows a zoned distribution of its admixtures and defects. Th...

Clinopyroxenite mantle xenoliths from Obnazhënnaya kimberlite pipe, NE part of Siberian craton (Russia), preserve porphyroclastic clinopyroxene with no less than two generations of garnet and orthopyroxene lamellae, sometimes together with rutile. Their crystallographic relationships are consistent with an origin by solid-state exsolution. Accordin...

We find strong evidence that variation in cardiovascular mortality from year 2000 to year 2012 helps to explain variation in income per capita across the OECD countries. Most of the source of variation, however, comes from Eastern Europe. Better diffusion of surgical and therapeutic treatments since the year 2000 has demonstrably benefitted those s...

A set of mantle xenoliths (Obnazhennaya and Udachnaya kimberlite pipes) containing large ortho-and clinopyroxene crystals (up to 3 cm long) with garnet exsolution lamellae and grains was studied. Both thick (up to 1000 μm) and thin (50-100 μm) lamellae as well as cores and rims of rock-forming granular garnets were analyzed with LA-ICP-MS. Geochemi...

In this article, we examine prediction in the context of linear index models when one or more of the regressors are endogenous. To facilitate both within-sample and out-of-sample predictions, Stata offers the postestimation command predict (see [R] predict). We believe that the usefulness of the predictions provided by this command is limited, espe...

The ages of lunar impact basins and the role of fractional crystallization in producing compositional heterogeneity of lunar melt sheets are long-standing problems with significant implications for solar system dynamics and the petrologic evolution of the lunar crust. Here we document the formation of a basin-scale impact on the Moon at 4.20±0.07Ga...

Martian meteorite Northwest Africa 7755 is a new example of an enriched, lherzolitic shergottite, containing some of the coarsest-grained apatite yet identified in shergottite meteorites. Their size has permitted detailed observations of volatile distributions within single grains. We have demonstrated that some apatites have been invaded by shock...

The olivine-phyric shergottite LAR12011 was found at Larkman Nunatuk during the 2012 ANSMET expedition [1]. The preliminary analysis of LAR12011 presented in [1] and oxygen isotope analysis in [2] confirms its Martian origin. This new sample is paired with LAR06319 [1-3]. Here, we present petrography and new data on the trace element chemistry of L...

The modeling and simulation of lunar surface and sub-surface activities requires an understanding of the mechanical behavior of the regolith and of the terrestrial materials used to simulate its various components. The discrete element method is frequently applied to model regolith mechanics and this approach requires realistic contact models for t...

Variable volatile concentrations are measured in apatites, which are spatially related to shock melts, as observed in Cl-X maps of apatite grains.

A unique xenolith of diamond-bearing pyrope peridotite has been studied, which consists of enstatite (Al2O3 = 0.39-0.43 wt.%; Cr2O3 = 0.20-0.23 wt.%; FeO = 4.81-5.1 wt.%; average Mg# = 92.7) and pyrope (0^3 = 4.43-5.11 wt.%; CaO = 4.15-4.8 wt.%; Mg# = 83.6-84.1). The xenolith is small (10.5 g) but contains more than 30,000 diamond microcrystals (10...

We present a systematic review of the key results and research trends in the Deep Carbon Cycle program. The first section addresses the issues related to subduction zones with emphasis on geological and geophysical data on Kamchatka and Kokchetav paleosubduction zone. Experimental studies over a wide pressure range are discussed in the section “Cry...

We report Re-Os and platinum group element (PGE) systematics for a suite of 16 mantle peridotites from the Udachnaya (360 Ma) and Obnazhennaya (160 Ma) kimberlite pipes, Siberia. Xenoliths from these pipes bracket the thermal climax of the Siberian plume, which is represented by the emplacement of the ~ 250 Ma Siberian Flood Basalts (SFB). Thus, th...

In this paper, we present a Non-Extensive Statistical Physics (NESP) approach in order to investigate the crystal size distribution of pyroxene crystals from Martian meteorites, nakhlites MIL090030 and MIL090032, which reflect igneous processes on Mars 1.3 Ga ago. The formation of pyroxene crystals is a complex process in which fractional crystalli...

The discovery of water within the lunar mantle has broad implications for the formation of the Earth-Moon system, differentiation of the Moon, and the magmatic evolution of lunar basalts, as well as the highland rocks. Recently, there has been considerable interest in using combined water abundances and H-isotope systematics of lunar apatites from...

We separated the respirable dust and other size fractions from Apollo 14 bulk sample 14003,96 in a dry nitrogen environment. While our toxicology team performed in vivo and in vitro experiments with the respirable fraction, we studied the size distribution and shape, chemistry, mineralogy, spectroscopy, iron content and magnetic resonance of variou...

Apatite minerals are compositionally diverse and ubiquitous in terrestrial and lunar systems. The goal of this study was to determine apatite geochemistry from far disparate origins - a biogenic and an abiogenic source — human bone and lunar basalts — to highlight the utility of apatite in its variable forms as an archive of geochemical processes....

During a nanomineralogy investigation of the Tissint Martian meteorite, we discovered the new shock-induced mineral tissintite, (Ca,Na,□)AlSi_2O_6, which is named after Tissint, Morocco, where the host meteorite fell. This phase provides new insights into shock conditions and impact processes on Mars. Here, we emphasize the origin of tissintite (IM...

In the context of a single equation in a system of simultaneous equations there is evidently some confusion in the literature as to the correct approach to the problem of prediction. Here we explore this problem and compare three different approaches to it. We also relate this discussion to current practice.

We present a two-stage formation model for NWA 7397 to account for a distinct change in pressure of crystallization and the HREE profile of the parental magma.

The well-documented airblast over Chelyabinsk, Russia, on 2/15/2013, resulted in an LL5 chondrite, with geochemistry in apatite of OH, δD, and 37Cl/35Cl values.

Recent Antarctic ureilite find Miller Range 091004 contains an incredible carbon-rich region, and has important implications for ureilite petrogenesis.

We present trace-element data for sulfides and metals of the new EL6 chondrite, Tupelo. Sulfides are enriched in lithophile elements Si, Mn, Ti, V, Li, and Zr.

This abstract describes the mineralogy and petrology of three new olivine-phyric shergottites: LAR 12011, LAR 12095, and LAR 12240.

Identified are large differences in degrees of aqueous alteration of individual chondrules from the Jbilet Winselwan CM2 chondrite.

Comprehensive petrological, geochemical, and isotopic study of mare basalts reveals petrogenetic processes and the compositional evolution of the Moon.

P-O-rich sulfide in CM chondrites is an object whose origin is still a subject of debate. Here, we report its mineralogical features and O-isotope compositions.

New petrology and chemistry of MIL 090405 and MIL 090206, and continued work on LEW 88763 is reported. We consider the two MIL samples as brachinite-like.

Impact melt coatings on lunar crustal rocks reveal new information on impactor compositions striking the Moon.

Al Jawf 001 is an ordinary chondrite genomict breccia that fell in the Al Jawf region of Northwest Saudi Arabia. It has been classified as an H4/5 chondrite.

We present new HSE native-Fe results and compare and contrast terrestrial and extraterrestrial native-Fe occurrences and their formation histories.

This study questions the significance of estimated lunar-mantle water content calculated from apatites.

Newly found minerals, ahrensite and tissintite from the Tissint meteorite, provide new insights into shock conditions and impact processes on Mars.

We report volatile concentrations and H isotopes in impact melts in the Tissint meteorite and discuss volatile reservoirs on Mars surface and mantle.

We separated the respirable dust and other size fractions from Apollo 14 bulk sample 14003,96 in a dry nitrogen environment. While our toxicology team performed in vivo and in vitro experiments with the respirable fraction, we studied the size distribution and shape, chemistry, mineralogy, spectroscopy, iron content and magnetic resonance of variou...

The Siberian craton has been subjected to numerous stages of Superplume-related magmatism, including several pre- and post-temporal stages of kimberlite emplacement relative to the extrusion of the Siberian Flood basalts (SFB; 250 Ma). The primary objective of this study is to characterize the metasomatic imprints rendered on the sub-continental li...

The asteroidal explosion that occurred over Chelyabinsk, Russia on Feb 15, 2013 was the first-witnessed occurrence that caused significant damage to humans and their properties. The bolide responsible for this extraordinary event was estimated to be 17-20 m in diameter, traveling at a speed of ~18 km/s. Although it coincided with the fly-by of 2012...

We use 2009 American Association for Retired Persons and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data to determine how older Americans respond to job loss, decreases in housing and financial wealth, and threats to health insurance. Some respond by leaving prescriptions unfilled, postponing needed health care, and/or stopping 401K contributions. The...

We have analyzed glasses in eight howardites with the aim of distinguishing their origins as impact melts or pyroclasts. Although theoretical calculations predict that pyroclastic eruptions could have taken place on Vesta, the occurrence of pyroclastic glasses in HED meteorites has not been documented. This study involved petrographic examination o...

Lunar meteorites were analyzed with VNIR spectroscopy. Their geologic context is constrained by comparison to remote VNIR and bulk chemical data.

We present new N-isotope data for lunar basalts (n = 3) from the Apollo 12 and 17 missions in an order to better quantify the indigenous lunar nitrogen component.

Distribution of water in lunar regolith as a function of soil composition and maturity.

The Tupelo meteorite was found, classified, and named in 2012. Based on mineral compositions and modal abundances, it was determined to be an EL6 chondrite.

CMS 04049, 27 is an equilibrated slowly-cooled eucrite with an unusual sulfide-rich mesostasis area.

The evidence for a wet Moon continues with water- and hydrogen-isotope data from apatite in all four suites of Apollo 12 basalts.

Primitive achondrite petrology provides clues to early planetary differentiation and the achondrite LEW 88763 indicates multiple brachinite-like parent bodies.

SynonymsAccretion time of Earth; Earth formation age; Planetary differentiation; Timing of core formationDefinitionCurrent constraints on the age of the Earth suggest accretion began approximately 4.54 ± 0.05 b.y.a., shortly after the formation of the solar system (~4.567 b.y.a.). However, the exact accretion time of Earth is difficult to determine...

Our results show that the chemical reactivity of Apollo 14 lunar dust influences its biological effect in the lungs of rats.

The Tissint olivine-phyric lherzolite, a July 2011 fall of a shergottite, presents a unique opportunity to recreate the source of this martian meteorite, based upon the major- and trace-element chemistry of its mineralogy.

We pair laboratory VNIR analyses of feldspathic lunar meteorites with remote sensing observations. This combined approach will constrain the geologic context of these samples of the largely unexplored lunar feldspathic highlands.

Best-first search algorithms require exponential memory, while depth-first algorithms require only linear memory. On graphs with cycles, how-ever, depth-first searches do not detect duplicate nodes, and hence may generate asymptotically more nodes than best-first searches. We present a technique for reducing the asymptotic complexity of depth-first...

Our dating results on baddeleyite and zirconolite in the unbrecciated lunar rock Apollo 17 norite 78235 indicate that impact events in natural system could reset Pb/Pb ages of baddeleyite.

We present spectral reflectance and associated geochemistry/abundance data for mineral/lithic components of lunar meteorites. These results will enable investigation of the geologic context of the meteorite samples through remote sensing.

We report in situ measurements of the abundances and H-isotope compositions of lunar surface water stored in lunar soil samples.

Preliminary examination of Fe-rich NAMs in lunar basalts shows promising results.

New results on water and D/H of lunar apatite are presented. Implications of high volatile abundances of lunar apatite for the water inventory of the Moon are considered in light of degassing of molecular hydrogen and low oxygen fugacities.

Apatite from 14072,16, 14053,61, and 14053,241 have S K peak shifts consistent with incorporation of both sulfide and sulfate. Sulfur concentration is inversely correlated with the percentage of sulfide.

Since it is an old question, we might borrow some queries from archaic English that certainly could apply appropriately to lunar water and volatiles: Whence: ...from what place or source? Whither: ...to what place or state? ...what is the likely future of? Wherefore: ...for what reason? ...result of which? The last two years have reversed long-held...

Petrographic and mineral major element and trace element data have been obtained for a suite of remarkably fresh peridotite and pyroxenite xenoliths from the Paleozoic Udachnaya kimberlite (central Siberian Craton) and the Mesozoic Obnazhennaya kimberlite (northeastern Siberian Craton). These xenoliths are used to place constraints on the temporal...

The NASA Discovery Moon Mineralogy Mapper imaging spectrometer was selected to pursue a wide range of science objectives requiring measurement of composition at fine spatial scales over the full lunar surface. To pursue these objectives, a broad spectral range imaging spectrometer with high uniformity and high signal-to-noise ratio capable of measu...

In contrast to the extensively mixed lunar megaregolith [e.g., 6], materials exposed along the inner ring of several impact basins exhibit compositionally distinct mineral lithologies. We interpret these rocktypes to be deep-seated materials brought to the surface and exposed by the basin forming event. An initial survey of such materials using dat...

High spectral and spatial resolution data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument on Chandrayaan-1 are used to investigate in detail changes in the optical properties of lunar materials accompanying space weathering. Three spectral parameters were developed and used to quantify spectral effects commonly thought to be associated with increas...

The Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), a high-resolution, high-precision imaging spectrometer, flew on board India's Chandrayaan-1 Mission from October 2008 through August 2009. This paper describes some of the spatial sampling aspects of the instrument, the planned mission, and the mission as flown. We also outline the content and context of the resulti...

How long do older divorcees deliberate divorce? The answer identifies factors that either slow or hasten divorce. By comparison, extant studies investigate only marriage durations and fail to account for an individual’s maturity. To control for maturity, I focus on divorcees over 40years old. Outside interference from stepchildren and/or in-laws si...

Analysis of high resolution Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) data reveals the presence of a prominent Mg-spinel-rich lithology in the central peaks of Theophilus crater on the lunar nearside. Other peak-associated lithologies are comprised of plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxene-bearing materials. A consistent spatial association of Mg-spinel with mafic-f...

A new water+hydroxyl map was constructed using M3 data which shows that the water and hydroxyl detected by M3 is more extensive than first reported and in better agreement with the VIMS and Deep Impact results.

Apatite incorporates several volatile elements (including S, as SO_4 ^(2-)) and can provide a record of magmatic volatile evolution. Recent measurements of volatiles in apatite from Apollo sample 14053.241 revealed 300-450 ppm S. Although many lunar melts have sufficient S for sulfide saturation, the observed S content of lunar apatite is surprisin...

1] The last major phases of lunar volcanism produced spectrally unique high‐titanium basalts on the western nearside of the Moon. The Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M 3) on Chandrayaan‐1 has provided detailed measurements of these basalts at spatial and spectral resolutions necessary for mineralogical interpretation and mapping of distinct compositional u...

High-resolution compositional data from Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M(3)) for the Moscoviense region on the lunar farside reveal three unusual, but distinctive, rock types along the inner basin ring. These are designated "OOS" since they are dominated by high concentrations of orthopyroxene, olivine, and Mg-rich spinel, respectively. The OOS occur as s...

Mare filling began in the center of the basin and migrated outward over timeMare deposits in Orientale span the same range of ages as nearside basaltsMare basalt emplacement in Orientale is related to global and local stresses

1] Analysis of two absorption features near 3 mm in the lunar reflectance spectrum, observed by the orbiting M 3 spectrometer and interpreted as being due to OH and H 2 O, is presented, and the results are used to discuss the processes producing these molecules. This analysis focuses on the dependence of the absorptions on lunar physical properties...

New laboratory measurements of lunar basalt samples provide important new data on the VNIR spectral reflectance properties of ilmenite-rich materials. These data provide key constraints for evaluating ilmenite abundance with remote sensing.

We explore the unusual ring configuration of the Moscoviense Basin as well as reexamine the mare units on the basin floor.