Regmaglypts

Regmaglypts on the Murnpeowie meteorite (iron meteorite, here octahedrite )

As regmaglypts ( Greek , regma ῥῆγμα = crack, column and glyptos γλυπτός = carved) is referred to in the meteorites the significant melting traces in the fusion crust of meteorites (especially in iron meteorites ), and sometimes even with impactites (. Eg moldavites ).

These thumbprint-like melt pits are ideally arranged radially and thus allow conclusions to be drawn about the direction of fall of the meteorite. In this case they are the result of a so-called oriented flight , i.e. H. The body ( impactor ) penetrating the earth's atmosphere does not rotate or tumble, but at some point stabilizes its trajectory and accordingly offers a uniform surface for the friction of the atmospheric air.

A special form of regmaglypts in a broader sense, the range of melting lip , a round inwardly arched transition edge between abrasion range- and shade of the intruder.

• 

  typical regmaglypts on a moldavite ( impact glass )

• 

  pronounced radial regma glypts ( Krähenberg meteorite)

• 

  graphic highlighting of regmaglypts (Broumovský meteorite)

• 

  pronounced irregular regma glyphs