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Ruff SW, Campbell KA, Van Kranendonk MJ, Rice MS, Farmer JD. The Case for Ancient Hot Springs in Gusev Crater, Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:475-499. [PMID: 31621375 PMCID: PMC7133449 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The origin and age of opaline silica deposits discovered by the Spirit rover adjacent to the Home Plate feature in the Columbia Hills of Gusev crater remains debated, in part because of their proximity to sulfur-rich soils. Processes related to fumarolic activity and to hot springs and/or geysers are the leading candidates. Both processes are known to produce opaline silica on Earth, but with differences in composition, morphology, texture, and stratigraphy. Here, we incorporate new and existing observations of the Home Plate region with observations from field and laboratory work to address the competing hypotheses. The results, which include new evidence for a hot spring vent mound, demonstrate that a volcanic hydrothermal system manifesting both hot spring/geyser and fumarolic activity best explains the opaline silica rocks and proximal S-rich materials, respectively. The opaline silica rocks most likely are sinter deposits derived from hot spring activity. Stratigraphic evidence indicates that their deposition occurred before the emplacement of the volcaniclastic deposits comprising Home Plate and nearby ridges. Because sinter deposits throughout geologic history on Earth preserve evidence for microbial life, they are a key target in the search for ancient life on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W. Ruff
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Address correspondence to: Steven W. Ruff, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Mars Space Flight Facility, Moeur Building Room 131, Tempe, AZ 85287-6305
| | - Kathleen A. Campbell
- School of Environment and Te Ao Mārama—Centre for Fundamental Inquiry, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martin J. Van Kranendonk
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melissa S. Rice
- Department of Geology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
| | - Jack D. Farmer
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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Mikhailov IF, Baturin AA, Mikhailov AI, Borisova SS, Fomina LP. Determination of coal ash content by the combined x-ray fluorescence and scattering spectrum. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2018; 89:023103. [PMID: 29495817 DOI: 10.1063/1.4993101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An alternative method is proposed for the determination of the inorganic constituent mass fraction (ash) in solid fuel by the ratio of Compton and Rayleigh X-ray scattering peaks IC/IR subject to the iron fluorescence intensity. An original X-ray optical scheme with a Ti/Mo (or Sc/Cu) double-layer secondary radiator allows registration of the combined fluorescence-and-scattering spectrum at the specified scattering angle. An algorithm for linear calibration of the Compton-to-Rayleigh IC/IR ratio is proposed which uses standard samples with two certified characteristics: mass fractions of ash (Ad) and iron oxide (WFe2O3 ). Ash mass fractions have been determined for coals of different deposits in the wide range of Ad from 9.4% to 52.7% mass and WFe2O3 from 0.3% to 4.95% mass. Due to the high penetrability of the probing radiation with energy E > 17 keV, the sample preparation procedure is rather simplified in comparison with the traditional method of Ad determination by the sum of fluorescence intensities of all constituent elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Mikhailov
- Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, National Technical University "Kharkov Polytechnic Institute,"Kharkov, Ukraine
| | - A A Baturin
- Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, National Technical University "Kharkov Polytechnic Institute,"Kharkov, Ukraine
| | - A I Mikhailov
- Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, National Technical University "Kharkov Polytechnic Institute,"Kharkov, Ukraine
| | - S S Borisova
- Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, National Technical University "Kharkov Polytechnic Institute,"Kharkov, Ukraine
| | - L P Fomina
- Department of Physics of Metals and Semiconductors, National Technical University "Kharkov Polytechnic Institute,"Kharkov, Ukraine
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Arvidson RE, Squyres SW, Bell JF, Catalano JG, Clark BC, Crumpler LS, de Souza PA, Fairen AG, Farrand WH, Fox VK, Gellert R, Ghosh A, Golombek MP, Grotzinger JP, Guinness EA, Herkenhoff KE, Jolliff BL, Knoll AH, Li R, McLennan SM, Ming DW, Mittlefehldt DW, Moore JM, Morris RV, Murchie SL, Parker TJ, Paulsen G, Rice JW, Ruff SW, Smith MD, Wolff MJ. Ancient Aqueous Environments at Endeavour Crater, Mars. Science 2014; 343:1248097. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1248097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Ming DW, Archer PD, Glavin DP, Eigenbrode JL, Franz HB, Sutter B, Brunner AE, Stern JC, Freissinet C, McAdam AC, Mahaffy PR, Cabane M, Coll P, Campbell JL, Atreya SK, Niles PB, Bell JF, Bish DL, Brinckerhoff WB, Buch A, Conrad PG, Des Marais DJ, Ehlmann BL, Fairén AG, Farley K, Flesch GJ, Francois P, Gellert R, Grant JA, Grotzinger JP, Gupta S, Herkenhoff KE, Hurowitz JA, Leshin LA, Lewis KW, McLennan SM, Miller KE, Moersch J, Morris RV, Navarro-González R, Pavlov AA, Perrett GM, Pradler I, Squyres SW, Summons RE, Steele A, Stolper EM, Sumner DY, Szopa C, Teinturier S, Trainer MG, Treiman AH, Vaniman DT, Vasavada AR, Webster CR, Wray JJ, Yingst RA. Volatile and organic compositions of sedimentary rocks in Yellowknife Bay, Gale crater, Mars. Science 2013; 343:1245267. [PMID: 24324276 DOI: 10.1126/science.1245267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
H2O, CO2, SO2, O2, H2, H2S, HCl, chlorinated hydrocarbons, NO, and other trace gases were evolved during pyrolysis of two mudstone samples acquired by the Curiosity rover at Yellowknife Bay within Gale crater, Mars. H2O/OH-bearing phases included 2:1 phyllosilicate(s), bassanite, akaganeite, and amorphous materials. Thermal decomposition of carbonates and combustion of organic materials are candidate sources for the CO2. Concurrent evolution of O2 and chlorinated hydrocarbons suggests the presence of oxychlorine phase(s). Sulfides are likely sources for sulfur-bearing species. Higher abundances of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the mudstone compared with Rocknest windblown materials previously analyzed by Curiosity suggest that indigenous martian or meteoritic organic carbon sources may be preserved in the mudstone; however, the carbon source for the chlorinated hydrocarbons is not definitively of martian origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Ming
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
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Arvidson RE, Bell JF, Bellutta P, Cabrol NA, Catalano JG, Cohen J, Crumpler LS, Des Marais DJ, Estlin TA, Farrand WH, Gellert R, Grant JA, Greenberger RN, Guinness EA, Herkenhoff KE, Herman JA, Iagnemma KD, Johnson JR, Klingelhöfer G, Li R, Lichtenberg KA, Maxwell SA, Ming DW, Morris RV, Rice MS, Ruff SW, Shaw A, Siebach KL, de Souza PA, Stroupe AW, Squyres SW, Sullivan RJ, Talley KP, Townsend JA, Wang A, Wright JR, Yen AS. Spirit Mars Rover Mission: Overview and selected results from the northern Home Plate Winter Haven to the side of Scamander crater. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Morris RV, Ruff SW, Gellert R, Ming DW, Arvidson RE, Clark BC, Golden DC, Siebach K, Klingelhöfer G, Schröder C, Fleischer I, Yen AS, Squyres SW. Identification of carbonate-rich outcrops on Mars by the Spirit rover. Science 2010; 329:421-4. [PMID: 20522738 DOI: 10.1126/science.1189667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Decades of speculation about a warmer, wetter Mars climate in the planet's first billion years postulate a denser CO2-rich atmosphere than at present. Such an atmosphere should have led to the formation of outcrops rich in carbonate minerals, for which evidence has been sparse. Using the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, we have now identified outcrops rich in magnesium-iron carbonate (16 to 34 weight percent) in the Columbia Hills of Gusev crater. Its composition approximates the average composition of the carbonate globules in martian meteorite ALH 84001. The Gusev carbonate probably precipitated from carbonate-bearing solutions under hydrothermal conditions at near-neutral pH in association with volcanic activity during the Noachian era.
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The Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C): a potential rover mission for 2018. Final report of the Mars Mid-Range Rover Science Analysis Group (MRR-SAG) October 14, 2009. ASTROBIOLOGY 2010; 10:127-163. [PMID: 20298148 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2010.0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This report documents the work of the Mid-Range Rover Science Analysis Group (MRR-SAG), which was assigned to formulate a concept for a potential rover mission that could be launched to Mars in 2018. Based on programmatic and engineering considerations as of April 2009, our deliberations assumed that the potential mission would use the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) sky-crane landing system and include a single solar-powered rover. The mission would also have a targeting accuracy of approximately 7 km (semimajor axis landing ellipse), a mobility range of at least 10 km, and a lifetime on the martian surface of at least 1 Earth year. An additional key consideration, given recently declining budgets and cost growth issues with MSL, is that the proposed rover must have lower cost and cost risk than those of MSL--this is an essential consideration for the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG). The MRR-SAG was asked to formulate a mission concept that would address two general objectives: (1) conduct high priority in situ science and (2) make concrete steps toward the potential return of samples to Earth. The proposed means of achieving these two goals while balancing the trade-offs between them are described here in detail. We propose the name Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher(MAX-C) to reflect the dual purpose of this potential 2018 rover mission.
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Morris RV, Klingelhöfer G, Schröder C, Fleischer I, Ming DW, Yen AS, Gellert R, Arvidson RE, Rodionov DS, Crumpler LS, Clark BC, Cohen BA, McCoy TJ, Mittlefehldt DW, Schmidt ME, de Souza PA, Squyres SW. Iron mineralogy and aqueous alteration from Husband Hill through Home Plate at Gusev Crater, Mars: Results from the Mössbauer instrument on the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Vibrational excitation functions for inelastic and superelastic electron scattering from the ground-electronic state in hot CO2. Chem Phys Lett 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2008.09.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Yen AS, Morris RV, Clark BC, Gellert R, Knudson AT, Squyres S, Mittlefehldt DW, Ming DW, Arvidson R, McCoy T, Schmidt M, Hurowitz J, Li R, Johnson JR. Hydrothermal processes at Gusev Crater: An evaluation of Paso Robles class soils. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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