| Abstract: | Abstract— Results from an inorganic geochemical modeling study support a scenario in which low‐temperature aqueous alteration of an anhydrous CM asteroidal parent body and melt water from H2O and CO2 ices produces the altered assemblage observed in CM carbonaceous chondrites (chrysotile, greenalite, tochilinite, cronstedtite and minor calcite and magnetite). We consider a range of possible precursor mineral assemblages, varying with respect to the Fe‐oxidation state of the initial anhydrous phases. The aqueous solutions produced by this alteration are generally strongly basic and reducing and a large quantity of H2, and possible CH4, gas can be released during aqueous alteration. |
