Hi Stan and others,

we do have a number of insitu photographs shown in our expedition journals: 
>http://www.niger-meteorite-recon.de/en/libyen2004_fotostory.htm

But if you plan to prospect for meteorites in hot deserts I would recommend to 
study the morphology of rocks common on your target surface more then the 
characteristics of meteorites itself. According to our experience finding 
meteorites on a desert surface is much more a question of distinction than of 
recognition. 

Usually a lot of precious on-site time goes for the acquaintance with the local 
rock variations. Knowledge of the underlying stratigraphy is helpful as most 
surfaces (e.g. the Hammada al Hamra or the Hammada du Dra) resemble a 
horizontal cut through different layers.

On erosion surfaces, which most of the meteorite aggregation areas are, 
certain lumps of minerals embedded in the differnt layers weather out of the 
bedrock. Over the centuries they concentrate at the surface. As some of these 
minerals tend to withstand chemical and mechanical weathering much better then 
the bedrock itself they will look alien to the unaqquainted eye and call your 
attention whenever passing one by. 

Also many meteorite aggregation surfaces that are extremely arid today 
underwent periods of a more humid climate. Alluvial deposits are common for 
example in The Tenere Taffassasset desert. At such place you will find rocks 
transported from regions tens or hundreds of kilos further up. So one should 
have an overview of the surrounding geology as well.

So maybe thats a point you may turn your attention to as well. There is a large 
number of fine illustrated literature concerning the geology of almost every 
desert in the world. If you narrow your target destination I may able to point 
you to more specific literature.

Hope this helps

Svend

www.niger-meteorite-recon.de


>>I know the comet shop guys have a large number of photos of meteorites found 
>
>>in situ, but I was wondering if anyone else would ahve any, or have any 
>>links to meteorites found in situ, preferably in dry, desert type 
>>environemnts. Preferably rocks that are hard to distinguish as meteorites 
>>such as planetary and achonderites.
>>
>>TIA
>>
>>
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