Report on Antarctic meteorites search around the Sor Rondane Mountains, JARE-29 1988-1989

Abstract

A systematic search for Antarctic meteorites was carried out by the Asuka winter party of the 29th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition on the bare ice field around the Sφr Rondane Mountains in the 1987-1988 and 1988-1989 field seasons. More than 2000 meteorite specimens as individuals or fragments were collected from three main areas around the mountains. Their total weight could be more than 400kg. The collection of these meteorites, which will be named officially Asuka-87 and Asuka-88 meteorites, consist of various types of meteorites, such as irons, stony-irons, chondrites, achondrites and carbonaceous chondrites, including some unique specimens. The largest specimen in this collection is a 46kg LL type ordinary chondrite.