[meteorite-list] strewnfield size vs entry angle

[Chris Peterson]

It would be difficult to compile such a list. Where a meteorite results from 
an object that experiences a single fragmentation event (which presumably 
describes most cases), the strewn field is not strongly related to the entry 
details, but is instead defined by the wind conditions at the time. After 
the fragmentation, the debris is initially stretched out along the axis of 
flight, with heavier components carrying further forward. But this forward 
momentum is quickly lost, and the pattern can change considerably during 
several minutes of cold flight. Tail winds compress the size of the field, 
head winds stretch it out, and any wind component at an angle to the entry 
path broadens and tilts the field.

Multiple fragmentation events produce multiple strewn fields, although they 
may overlap and be recognized only as a single distribution.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "stan ." <laser_maniac at hotmail.com>
To: <Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2006 8:22 AM
Subject: [meteorite-list] strewnfield size vs entry angle


> I'm sure the data I'm looking for doesnt exist in a handy format anywhere, 
> but I figured I'd ask the smart people of the meteorite list incase it 
> does. does any one know of a handy tabular collection of data on meteoriod 
> entry angle vs strewnfield ellipse dimensions for various types of stone 
> meteorites?