Resolve the mechanism responsible for moderately volatile element signatures

Distinguish whether moderately volatile element isotope signatures in CM chondrules result from recondensation into or onto chondrule melts followed by diffusion, or from the physical removal of mineral phases enriched in isotopically heavy moderately volatile elements.

Background

The paper discusses competing explanations for light isotope enrichments and moderately volatile element patterns in chondrules. One interpretation invokes recondensation of volatile elements into the chondrule melt or onto its surface, followed by diffusion; another attributes the signatures to removal of mineral phases carrying isotopically heavy moderately volatile elements.

The distinction is important for determining whether observed isotope systematics directly record gas–melt exchange during chondrule formation or instead reflect physical sorting and loss of mineral phases. The paper states that the issue is unresolved because of limited sample sizes, low elemental abundances, and secondary alteration.