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Mukundan A, Wang HC. The Brahmavarta Initiative: A Roadmap for the First Self-Sustaining City-State on Mars. UNIVERSE 2022; 8:550. [DOI: 10.3390/universe8110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The vast universe, from its unfathomable ends to our very own Milky Way galaxy, is comprised of numerous celestial bodies—disparate yet each having their uniqueness. Amongst these bodies exist only a handful that have an environment that can nurture and sustain life. The Homo sapiens species has inhabited the planet, which is positioned in a precise way—Earth. It is an irrefutable truth that the planet Earth has provided us with all necessities for survival—for the human race to flourish and prosper and make scientific and technological advancements. Humans have always had an innate ardor for exploration—and now, since they have explored every nook and corner of this planet, inhabiting it and utilizing its resources, the time has come to alleviate the burden we have placed upon Earth to be the sole life-sustaining planet. With limited resources in our grasp and an ever-proliferating population, it is the need of the hour that we take a leap and go beyond the planet for inhabitation—explore the other celestial objects in our galaxy. Then, however, there arises a confounding conundrum—where do we go? The answer is right next to our home—the Red Planet, Mars. Space scientists have confirmed that Mars has conditions to support life and is the closest candidate for human inhabitation. The planet has certain similarities to Earth and its proximity provides us with convenient contact. This paper will be dealing with the conceptual design for the first city-state on Mars. Aggregating assumptions, research, and estimations, this first settlement project shall propose the most optimal means to explore, inhabit and colonize our sister planet, Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Mukundan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High Tech Innovations (AIM-HI) and Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society (CIRAS), National Chung Cheng Univesity, 168, University Rd., Min Hsiung, Chia Yi 62102, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Chen Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High Tech Innovations (AIM-HI) and Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society (CIRAS), National Chung Cheng Univesity, 168, University Rd., Min Hsiung, Chia Yi 62102, Taiwan
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Lagain A, Bouley S, Zanda B, Miljković K, Rajšić A, Baratoux D, Payré V, Doucet LS, Timms NE, Hewins R, Benedix GK, Malarewic V, Servis K, Bland PA. Early crustal processes revealed by the ejection site of the oldest martian meteorite. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3782. [PMID: 35821210 PMCID: PMC9276826 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31444-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and differentiation of the crust of Mars in the first tens of millions of years after its accretion can only be deciphered from incredibly limited records. The martian breccia NWA 7034 and its paired stones is one of them. This meteorite contains the oldest martian igneous material ever dated: ~4.5 Ga old. However, its source and geological context have so far remained unknown. Here, we show that the meteorite was ejected 5-10 Ma ago from the north-east of the Terra Cimmeria-Sirenum province, in the southern hemisphere of Mars. More specifically, the breccia belongs to the ejecta deposits of the Khujirt crater formed 1.5 Ga ago, and it was ejected as a result of the formation of the Karratha crater 5-10 Ma ago. Our findings demonstrate that the Terra Cimmeria-Sirenum province is a relic of the differentiated primordial martian crust, formed shortly after the accretion of the planet, and that it constitutes a unique record of early crustal processes. This province is an ideal landing site for future missions aiming to unravel the first tens of millions of years of the history of Mars and, by extension, of all terrestrial planets, including the Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lagain
- Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - S Bouley
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, GEOPS, 91405, Orsay, France.,IMCCE, Observatoire de Paris, 77 avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75005, Paris, France
| | - B Zanda
- IMCCE, Observatoire de Paris, 77 avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75005, Paris, France.,Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Université et CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - K Miljković
- Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - A Rajšić
- Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - D Baratoux
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, University of Toulouse, CNRS and IRD, Toulouse, 31400, France.,Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - V Payré
- Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - L S Doucet
- Earth Dynamics Research Group, TIGeR, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - N E Timms
- Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,The Institute for Geoscience Research (TIGeR), Curtin University, Perth, 6845, WA, Australia
| | - R Hewins
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Université et CNRS, 75005, Paris, France.,EPS, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - G K Benedix
- Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Western Australian Museum, Perth, WA, Australia.,Planetary Sciences Institute, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - V Malarewic
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, GEOPS, 91405, Orsay, France.,Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Université et CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - K Servis
- Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, CSIRO, Kensington, WA, Australia
| | - P A Bland
- Space Science and Technology Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Royle SH, Salter TL, Watson JS, Sephton MA. Mineral Matrix Effects on Pyrolysis Products of Kerogens Infer Difficulties in Determining Biological Provenance of Macromolecular Organic Matter at Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:520-540. [PMID: 35171040 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ancient martian organic matter is likely to take the form of kerogen-like recalcitrant macromolecular organic matter (MOM), existing in close association with reactive mineral surfaces, especially iron oxides. Detecting and identifying a biological origin for martian MOM will therefore be of utmost importance for life-detection efforts at Mars. We show that Type I and Type IV kerogens provide effective analogues for putative martian MOM of biological and abiological (meteoric) provenances, respectively. We analyze the pyrolytic breakdown products when these kerogens are mixed with mineral matrices highly relevant for the search for life on Mars. We demonstrate that, using traditional thermal techniques as generally used by the Sample Analysis at Mars and Mars Organic Molecule Analyser instruments, even the breakdown products of highly recalcitrant MOM are transformed during analysis in the presence of reactive mineral surfaces, particularly iron. Analytical transformation reduces the diagnostic ability of this technique, as detected transformation products of both biological and abiological MOM may be identical (low molecular weight gas phases and benzene) and indistinguishable. The severity of transformational effects increased through calcite < kaolinite < hematite < nontronite < magnetite < goethite. Due to their representation of various habitable aqueous environments and the preservation potential of organic matter by iron, it is not advisable to completely avoid iron-rich strata. We conclude that hematite-rich localities, with evidence of extensive aqueous alteration of originally reducing phases, such as the Vera Rubin Ridge, may be relatively promising targets for identifying martian biologically sourced MOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Royle
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tara L Salter
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan S Watson
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A Sephton
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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4
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Royle SH, Watson JS, Sephton MA. Transformation of Cyanobacterial Biomolecules by Iron Oxides During Flash Pyrolysis: Implications for Mars Life-Detection Missions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1363-1386. [PMID: 34402652 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Answering the question of whether life ever existed on Mars is a key goal of both NASA's and ESA's imminent Mars rover missions. The obfuscatory effects of oxidizing salts, such as perchlorates and sulfates, on organic matter during thermal decomposition analysis techniques are well established. Less well studied are the transformative effects of iron oxides and (oxy)hydroxides, which are present in great abundances in the martian regolith. We examined the products of flash pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (a technique analogous to the thermal techniques employed by past, current, and future landed Mars missions) which form when the cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis are heated in the presence of a variety of Mars-relevant iron-bearing minerals. We found that iron oxides/(oxy)hydroxides have transformative effects on the pyrolytic products of cyanobacterial biomolecules. Both the abundance and variety of molecular species detected were decreased as iron substrates transformed biomolecules, by both oxidative and reductive processes, into lower fidelity alkanes, aromatic and aryl-bonded hydrocarbons. Despite the loss of fidelity, a suite that contains mid-length alkanes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons and/or aryl-bonded molecules in iron-rich samples subjected to pyrolysis may allude to the transformation of cyanobacterially derived mid-long chain length fatty acids (particularly unsaturated fatty acids) originally present in the sample. Hematite was found to be the iron oxide with the lowest transformation potential, and because this iron oxide has a high affinity for codeposition of organic matter and preservation over geological timescales, sampling at Mars should target sediments/strata that have undergone a diagenetic history encouraging the dehydration, dihydroxylation, and oxidation of more reactive iron-bearing phases to hematite by looking for (mineralogical) evidence of the activity of oxidizing, acidic/neutral, and either hot or long-lived fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Royle
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan S Watson
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Sephton
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Rouquette L, Stalport F, Cottin H, Colas C, Georgelin T, Chaouche-Mechidal N, Lasne J, Mahfouf S, Raulin F, Selliez L, Szopa C, Coll P. Dimerization of Uracil in a Simulated Mars-like UV Radiation Environment. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:1363-1376. [PMID: 33179968 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The search for organic molecules at the surface of Mars is a key objective in astrobiology, given that many organic compounds are possible biosignatures and their presence is of interest with regard to the habitability of Mars. Current environmental conditions at the martian surface are harsh and affect the stability of organic molecules. For this reason, and because current and future Mars rovers collect samples from the upper surface layer, it is important to assess the fate of organic molecules under the conditions at the martian surface. Here, we present an experimental study of the evolution of uracil when exposed to UV radiation, pressure, and temperature conditions representative of the surface of Mars. Uracil was selected because it is a nucleobase that composes RNA, and it has been detected in interplanetary bodies that could be the exogenous source of this molecule by meteoritic delivery to the surface of Mars. Our results show that the experimental quantum efficiency of photodecomposition of uracil is 0.16 ± 0.14 molecule/photon. Although these results suggest that uracil is quickly photodegraded when directly exposed to UV light on Mars, such exposure produces dimers that are more stable over time than the monomer. The identified dimers could be targets of interest for current and future Mars space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rouquette
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - Fabien Stalport
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - Hervé Cottin
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - Cyril Colas
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d'Orléans, UMR CNRS 7311, Orléans, France
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), UPR CNRS 4301, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Thomas Georgelin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), UPR CNRS 4301, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- Laboratoire de Réactivité de Surface, UMR CNRS 7197, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Naïla Chaouche-Mechidal
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - Jerome Lasne
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - Sara Mahfouf
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - François Raulin
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - Laura Selliez
- Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie de l'Environnement et de l'Espace (LPC2E), UMR CNRS7328, Université d'Orléans, Orléans Cedex, France
- Laboratoire atmosphères, milieux, observations spatiales, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, UMR 8190, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Cyril Szopa
- Laboratoire atmosphères, milieux, observations spatiales, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, UMR 8190, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Coll
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris Est Créteil et Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Creteil Cedex, France
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Abstract
Both the northern and southern arms of Kasei Valles are occupied by platy-ridged flood lavas. We have mapped these flows and examined their morphology to better understand their emplacement. The lavas were emplaced as high-flux, turbulent flows (exceeding 106 m3 s-1). Lava in southern Kasei Valles can be traced back up onto the Tharsis rise, which is also the likely source of lavas in the northern arm. These eruptions were similar to, but somewhat smaller than, the Athabasca Valles flood lava in Elysium Planitia, with estimated volumes of >1200 km3 here and 5000 km3 in Athabasca Valles. The flood lavas in both Kasei and Athabasca Valles have evidence for distal inflation as well as widespread drainage or volume loss in medial areas; this may be an important characteristic of many large, recent Martian eruptions. Despite their great size and flux, the Kasei Valles flood lavas are only a late modification to the valley system capable of only modest local erosion. The more vigorous Athabasca Valles lava may have been capable of somewhat more erosion in its smaller valley system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Dundas
- U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, 2255 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
| | - Glen E. Cushing
- U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, 2255 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
| | - Laszlo P. Keszthelyi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, 2255 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
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Dzaugis M, Spivack AJ, D'Hondt S. Radiolytic H 2 Production in Martian Environments. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1137-1146. [PMID: 30048152 PMCID: PMC6150936 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen, produced by water radiolysis, has been suggested to support microbial communities on Mars. We quantitatively assess the potential magnitude of radiolytic H2 production in wet martian environments (the ancient surface and the present subsurface) based on the radionuclide compositions of (1) eight proposed Mars 2020 landing sites, and (2) three sites that individually yield the highest or lowest calculated radiolytic H2 production rates on Mars. For the proposed landing sites, calculated H2 production rates vary by a factor of ∼1.6, while the three comparison sites differ by a factor of ∼6. Rates in wet martian sediment and microfractured rock are comparable with rates in terrestrial environments that harbor low concentrations of microbial life (e.g., subseafloor basalt). Calculated H2 production rates for low-porosity (<35%), fine-grained martian sediment (0.12-1.2 nM/year) are mostly higher than rates for South Pacific subseafloor basalt (∼0.02-0.6 nM/year). Production rates in martian high-porosity sediment (>35%) and microfractured (1 μm) hard rock (0.03 to <0.71 nM/year) are generally similar to rates in South Pacific basalt, while yields for larger martian fractures (1 and 10 cm) are one to two orders of magnitude lower (<0.01 nM/year). If minerals or brine that amplify radiolytic H2 production rates are present, H2 yields exceed the calculated rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Dzaugis
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island
| | - Arthur J. Spivack
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island
| | - Steven D'Hondt
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island
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Platz T, Byrne PK, Massironi M, Hiesinger H. Volcanism and tectonism across the inner solar system: an overview. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1144/sp401.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractVolcanism and tectonism are the dominant endogenic means by which planetary surfaces change. This book, in general, and this overview, in particular, aim to encompass the broad range in character of volcanism, tectonism, faulting and associated interactions observed on planetary bodies across the inner solar system – a region that includes Mercury, Venus, Earth, the Moon, Mars and asteroids. The diversity and breadth of landforms produced by volcanic and tectonic processes are enormous, and vary across the inventory of inner solar system bodies. As a result, the selection of prevailing landforms and their underlying formational processes that are described and highlighted in this review are but a primer to the expansive field of planetary volcanism and tectonism. In addition to this extended introductory contribution, this Special Publication features 21 dedicated research articles about volcanic and tectonic processes manifest across the inner solar system. Those articles are summarized at the end of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Platz
- Planetary Science Institute, 1700 East Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ 85719-2395, USA
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Geological Sciences, Planetary Sciences & Remote Sensing, Malteserstrasse 74-100, 12249 Berlin, Germany
| | - P. K. Byrne
- Lunar and Planetary Institute, Universities Space Research Association, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058, USA
- Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution of Washington, 5241 Broad Branch Road NW, Washington, DC 20015-1305, USA
| | - M. Massironi
- Dipartimento di Geoscienze, Universita' degli Studi di Padova, via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - H. Hiesinger
- Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Ehlmann BL, Bish DL, Ruff SW, Mustard JF. Mineralogy and chemistry of altered Icelandic basalts: Application to clay mineral detection and understanding aqueous environments on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/2012je004156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Sinha MP, Neidholdt EL, Hurowitz J, Sturhahn W, Beard B, Hecht MH. Laser ablation-miniature mass spectrometer for elemental and isotopic analysis of rocks. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2011; 82:094102. [PMID: 21974601 DOI: 10.1063/1.3626794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A laser ablation-miniature mass spectrometer (LA-MMS) for the chemical and isotopic measurement of rocks and minerals is described. In the LA-MMS method, neutral atoms ablated by a pulsed laser are led into an electron impact ionization source, where they are ionized by a 70 eV electron beam. This results in a secondary ion pulse typically 10-100 μs wide, compared to the original 5-10 ns laser pulse duration. Ions of different masses are then spatially dispersed along the focal plane of the magnetic sector of the miniature mass spectrometer (MMS) and measured in parallel by a modified CCD array detector capable of detecting ions directly. Compared to conventional scanning techniques, simultaneous measurement of the ion pulse along the focal plane effectively offers a 100% duty cycle over a wide mass range. LA-MMS offers a more quantitative assessment of elemental composition than techniques that detect ions directly generated by the ablation process because the latter can be strongly influenced by matrix effects that vary with the structure and geometry of the surface, the wavelength of the laser beam, and the not well characterized ionization efficiencies of the elements in the process. The above problems attendant to the direct ion analysis has been minimized in the LA-MMS by analyzing the ablated neutral species after their post-ionization by electron impaction. These neutral species are much more abundant than the directly ablated ions in the ablated vapor plume and are, therefore, expected to be characteristic of the chemical composition of the solid. Also, the electron impact ionization of elements is well studied and their ionization cross sections are known and easy to find in databases. Currently, the LA-MMS limit of detection is 0.4 wt.%. Here we describe LA-MMS elemental composition measurements of various minerals including microcline, lepidolite, anorthoclase, and USGS BCR-2G samples. The measurements of high precision isotopic ratios including (41)K/(39)K (0.077 ± 0.004) and (29)Si/(28)Si (0.052 ± 0.006) in these minerals by LA-MMS are also described. The LA-MMS has been developed as a prototype instrument system for space applications for geochemical and geochronological measurements on the surface of extraterrestrial bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Sinha
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, California 91109, USA.
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11
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Che C, Glotch TD, Bish DL, Michalski JR, Xu W. Spectroscopic study of the dehydration and/or dehydroxylation of phyllosilicate and zeolite minerals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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12
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Tirsch D, Jaumann R, Pacifici A, Poulet F. Dark aeolian sediments in Martian craters: Composition and sources. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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13
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Milam KA, McSween HY, Moersch J, Christensen PR. Distribution and variation of plagioclase compositions on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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14
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Salvatore MR, Mustard JF, Wyatt MB, Murchie SL. Definitive evidence of Hesperian basalt in Acidalia and Chryse planitiae. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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15
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Carter J, Poulet F, Bibring JP, Murchie S. Detection of hydrated silicates in crustal outcrops in the northern plains of Mars. Science 2010; 328:1682-6. [PMID: 20576889 DOI: 10.1126/science.1189013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The composition of the ancient martian crust is a key ingredient in deciphering the environment and evolution of early Mars. We present an analysis of the composition of large craters in the martian northern plains based on data from spaceborne imaging spectrometers. Nine of the craters have excavated assemblages of phyllosilicates from ancient, Noachian crust buried beneath the plains' cover. The phyllosilicates are indistinguishable from those exposed in widespread locations in the southern highlands, demonstrating that liquid water once altered both hemispheres of Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Carter
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), CNRS/Université Paris XI, 91405 Orsay, France.
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16
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Chemtob SM, Jolliff BL, Rossman GR, Eiler JM, Arvidson RE. Silica coatings in the Ka'u Desert, Hawaii, a Mars analog terrain: A micromorphological, spectral, chemical, and isotopic study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Hamilton VE, Morris RV, Gruener JE, Mertzman SA. Visible, near-infrared, and middle infrared spectroscopy of altered basaltic tephras: Spectral signatures of phyllosilicates, sulfates, and other aqueous alteration products with application to the mineralogy of the Columbia Hills of Gusev Crater, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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18
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Tornabene LL, Moersch JE, McSween HY, Hamilton VE, Piatek JL, Christensen PR. Surface and crater-exposed lithologic units of the Isidis Basin as mapped by coanalysis of THEMIS and TES derived data products. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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19
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Ehlmann BL, Viles HA, Bourke MC. Quantitative morphologic analysis of boulder shape and surface texture to infer environmental history: A case study of rock breakdown at the Ephrata Fan, Channeled Scabland, Washington. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007jf000872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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20
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Morthekai P, Jain M, Murray A, Thomsen K, Bøtter-Jensen L. Fading characteristics of martian analogue materials and the applicability of a correction procedure. RADIAT MEAS 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2008.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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Boynton WV, Taylor GJ, Evans LG, Reedy RC, Starr R, Janes DM, Kerry KE, Drake DM, Kim KJ, Williams RMS, Crombie MK, Dohm JM, Baker V, Metzger AE, Karunatillake S, Keller JM, Newsom HE, Arnold JR, Brückner J, Englert PAJ, Gasnault O, Sprague AL, Mitrofanov I, Squyres SW, Trombka JI, d'Uston L, Wänke H, Hamara DK. Concentration of H, Si, Cl, K, Fe, and Th in the low- and mid-latitude regions of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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22
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McDowell ML, Hamilton VE. Geologic characteristics of relatively high thermal inertia intracrater deposits in southwestern Margaritifer Terra, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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23
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Milam KA, McSween HY, Christensen PR. Plagioclase compositions derived from thermal emission spectra of compositionally complex mixtures: Implications for Martian feldspar mineralogy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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24
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Zolotov MY, Mironenko MV. Timing of acid weathering on Mars: A kinetic-thermodynamic assessment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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25
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Poulet F, Gomez C, Bibring JP, Langevin Y, Gondet B, Pinet P, Belluci G, Mustard J. Martian surface mineralogy from Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces et l'Activité on board the Mars Express spacecraft (OMEGA/MEx): Global mineral maps. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Poulet
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale; CNRS/Université Paris-Sud; Orsay France
| | - C. Gomez
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale; CNRS/Université Paris-Sud; Orsay France
| | - J.-P. Bibring
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale; CNRS/Université Paris-Sud; Orsay France
| | - Y. Langevin
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale; CNRS/Université Paris-Sud; Orsay France
| | - B. Gondet
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale; CNRS/Université Paris-Sud; Orsay France
| | - P. Pinet
- Laboratoire Dynamique Terrestre et Planétaire/UMR5562; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Toulouse France
| | - G. Belluci
- Istituto Nazionale Di Astrofiscia dello Spazio Interplanetario; Rome Italy
| | - J. Mustard
- Geological Sciences; Brown University; Providence Rhode Island USA
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26
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Rampey ML, Milam KA, McSween HY, Moersch JE, Christensen PR. Identity and emplacement of domical structures in the western Arcadia Planitia, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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27
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Minitti ME, Weitz CM, Lane MD, Bishop JL. Morphology, chemistry, and spectral properties of Hawaiian rock coatings and implications for Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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28
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Murchie S, Arvidson R, Bedini P, Beisser K, Bibring JP, Bishop J, Boldt J, Cavender P, Choo T, Clancy RT, Darlington EH, Des Marais D, Espiritu R, Fort D, Green R, Guinness E, Hayes J, Hash C, Heffernan K, Hemmler J, Heyler G, Humm D, Hutcheson J, Izenberg N, Lee R, Lees J, Lohr D, Malaret E, Martin T, McGovern JA, McGuire P, Morris R, Mustard J, Pelkey S, Rhodes E, Robinson M, Roush T, Schaefer E, Seagrave G, Seelos F, Silverglate P, Slavney S, Smith M, Shyong WJ, Strohbehn K, Taylor H, Thompson P, Tossman B, Wirzburger M, Wolff M. Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 666] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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29
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Hiesinger H, Head JW, Neukum G. Young lava flows on the eastern flank of Ascraeus Mons: Rheological properties derived from High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) images and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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30
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Clark BC, Arvidson RE, Gellert R, Morris RV, Ming DW, Richter L, Ruff SW, Michalski JR, Farrand WH, Yen A, Herkenhoff KE, Li R, Squyres SW, Schröder C, Klingelhöfer G, Bell JF. Evidence for montmorillonite or its compositional equivalent in Columbia Hills, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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31
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Newsom HE, Crumpler LS, Reedy RC, Petersen MT, Newsom GC, Evans LG, Taylor GJ, Keller JM, Janes DM, Boynton WV, Kerry KE, Karunatillake S. Geochemistry of Martian soil and bedrock in mantled and less mantled terrains with gamma ray data from Mars Odyssey. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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32
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Rogers AD, Bandfield JL, Christensen PR. Global spectral classification of Martian low-albedo regions with Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES) data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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33
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Rogers AD, Christensen PR. Surface mineralogy of Martian low-albedo regions from MGS-TES data: Implications for upper crustal evolution and surface alteration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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34
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Ruff SW, Christensen PR, Blaney DL, Farrand WH, Johnson JR, Michalski JR, Moersch JE, Wright SP, Squyres SW. The rocks of Gusev Crater as viewed by the Mini-TES instrument. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. W. Ruff
- School of Earth and Space Exploration; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona USA
| | - P. R. Christensen
- School of Earth and Space Exploration; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona USA
| | - D. L. Blaney
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena California USA
| | | | | | - J. R. Michalski
- School of Earth and Space Exploration; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona USA
| | - J. E. Moersch
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences; University of Tennessee; Knoxville Tennessee USA
| | - S. P. Wright
- School of Earth and Space Exploration; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona USA
| | - S. W. Squyres
- Department of Astronomy; Cornell University; Ithaca New York USA
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35
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Karunatillake S, Squyres SW, Taylor GJ, Keller JM, Gasnault O, Evans LG, Reedy RC, Starr R, Boynton W, Janes DM, Kerry KE, Dohm JM, Sprague AL, Hahn BC, Hamara D. Composition of northern low-albedo regions of Mars: Insights from the Mars Odyssey Gamma Ray Spectrometer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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36
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Glotch TD, Bandfield JL. Determination and interpretation of surface and atmospheric Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer spectral end-members at the Meridiani Planum landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D. Glotch
- Division of Geological and Planetary Science; California Institute of Technology; Pasadena California USA
| | - Joshua L. Bandfield
- Department of Geological Sciences; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona USA
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37
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Glotch TD, Bandfield JL, Christensen PR, Calvin WM, McLennan SM, Clark BC, Rogers AD, Squyres SW. Mineralogy of the light-toned outcrop at Meridiani Planum as seen by the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer and implications for its formation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D. Glotch
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences; California Institute of Technology; Pasadena California USA
| | - Joshua L. Bandfield
- Department of Geological Sciences; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona USA
| | | | - Wendy M. Calvin
- Department of Geological Sciences; University of Nevada; Reno Nevada USA
| | - Scott M. McLennan
- Department of Geosciences; State University of New York; Stony Brook New York USA
| | | | - A. Deanne Rogers
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences; California Institute of Technology; Pasadena California USA
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38
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McSween HY, Wyatt MB, Gellert R, Bell JF, Morris RV, Herkenhoff KE, Crumpler LS, Milam KA, Stockstill KR, Tornabene LL, Arvidson RE, Bartlett P, Blaney D, Cabrol NA, Christensen PR, Clark BC, Crisp JA, Des Marais DJ, Economou T, Farmer JD, Farrand W, Ghosh A, Golombek M, Gorevan S, Greeley R, Hamilton VE, Johnson JR, Joliff BL, Klingelhöfer G, Knudson AT, McLennan S, Ming D, Moersch JE, Rieder R, Ruff SW, Schröder C, de Souza PA, Squyres SW, Wänke H, Wang A, Yen A, Zipfel J. Characterization and petrologic interpretation of olivine-rich basalts at Gusev Crater, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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39
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Searls ML, Banerdt WB, Phillips RJ. Utopia and Hellas basins, Mars: Twins separated at birth. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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40
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Michalski JR, Kraft MD, Sharp TG, Williams LB, Christensen PR. Emission spectroscopy of clay minerals and evidence for poorly crystalline aluminosilicates on Mars from Thermal Emission Spectrometer data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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41
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Martínez-Alonso S, Mellon MT, Kindel BC, Jakosky BM. Mapping compositional diversity on the surface of Mars: The Spectral Variance Index. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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42
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Thompson JR, Wiens RC, Barefield JE, Vaniman DT, Newsom HE, Clegg SM. Remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analyses of Dar al Gani 476 and Zagami Martian meteorites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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43
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Poulet F, Bibring JP, Mustard JF, Gendrin A, Mangold N, Langevin Y, Arvidson RE, Gondet B, Gomez C, Berthé M, Erard S, Forni O, Manaud N, Poulleau G, Soufflot A, Combes M, Drossart P, Encrenaz T, Fouchet T, Melchiorri R, Bellucci G, Altieri F, Formisano V, Fonti S, Capaccioni F, Cerroni P, Coradini A, Korablev O, Kottsov V, Ignatiev N, Titov D, Zasova L, Pinet P, Schmitt B, Sotin C, Hauber E, Hoffmann H, Jaumann R, Keller U, Forget F. Phyllosilicates on Mars and implications for early martian climate. Nature 2005; 438:623-7. [PMID: 16319882 DOI: 10.1038/nature04274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2005] [Accepted: 09/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The recent identification of large deposits of sulphates by remote sensing and in situ observations has been considered evidence of the past presence of liquid water on Mars. Here we report the unambiguous detection of diverse phyllosilicates, a family of aqueous alteration products, on the basis of observations by the OMEGA imaging spectrometer on board the Mars Express spacecraft. These minerals are mainly associated with Noachian outcrops, which is consistent with an early active hydrological system, sustaining the long-term contact of igneous minerals with liquid water. We infer that the two main families of hydrated alteration products detected-phyllosilicates and sulphates--result from different formation processes. These occurred during two distinct climatic episodes: an early Noachian Mars, resulting in the formation of hydrated silicates, followed by a more acidic environment, in which sulphates formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Poulet
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Université Paris-Sud and CNRS (UMR 8617) F-91405 Orsay, France.
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44
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Christensen PR, McSween HY, Bandfield JL, Ruff SW, Rogers AD, Hamilton VE, Gorelick N, Wyatt MB, Jakosky BM, Kieffer HH, Malin MC, Moersch JE. Evidence for magmatic evolution and diversity on Mars from infrared observations. Nature 2005; 436:504-9. [PMID: 16007077 DOI: 10.1038/nature03639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2004] [Accepted: 04/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Compositional mapping of Mars at the 100-metre scale with the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) has revealed a wide diversity of igneous materials. Volcanic evolution produced compositions from low-silica basalts to high-silica dacite in the Syrtis Major caldera. The existence of dacite demonstrates that highly evolved lavas have been produced, at least locally, by magma evolution through fractional crystallization. Olivine basalts are observed on crater floors and in layers exposed in canyon walls up to 4.5 km beneath the surface. This vertical distribution suggests that olivine-rich lavas were emplaced at various times throughout the formation of the upper crust, with their growing inventory suggesting that such ultramafic (picritic) basalts may be relatively common. Quartz-bearing granitoid rocks have also been discovered, demonstrating that extreme differentiation has occurred. These observations show that the martian crust, while dominated by basalt, contains a diversity of igneous materials whose range in composition from picritic basalts to granitoids rivals that found on the Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Christensen
- Department of Geological Sciences, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA.
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45
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Mustard JF, Poulet F, Gendrin A, Bibring JP, Langevin Y, Gondet B, Mangold N, Bellucci G, Altieri F. Olivine and Pyroxene Diversity in the Crust of Mars. Science 2005; 307:1594-7. [PMID: 15718427 DOI: 10.1126/science.1109098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Data from the Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA) on the Mars Express spacecraft identify the distinct mafic, rock-forming minerals olivine, low-calcium pyroxene (LCP), and high-calcium pyroxene (HCP) on the surface of Mars. Olivine- and HCP-rich regions are found in deposits that span the age range of geologic units. However, LCP-rich regions are found only in the ancient Noachian-aged units, which suggests that melts for these deposits were derived from a mantle depleted in aluminum and calcium. Extended dark regions in the northern plains exhibit no evidence of strong mafic absorptions or absorptions due to hydrated materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Mustard
- Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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46
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Bibring JP, Langevin Y, Gendrin A, Gondet B, Poulet F, Berthé M, Soufflot A, Arvidson R, Mangold N, Mustard J, Drossart P. Mars Surface Diversity as Revealed by the OMEGA/Mars Express Observations. Science 2005; 307:1576-81. [PMID: 15718430 DOI: 10.1126/science.1108806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA) investigation, on board the European Space Agency Mars Express mission, is mapping the surface composition of Mars at a 0.3- to 5-kilometer resolution by means of visible-near-infrared hyperspectral reflectance imagery. The data acquired during the first 9 months of the mission already reveal a diverse and complex surface mineralogy, offering key insights into the evolution of Mars. OMEGA has identified and mapped mafic iron-bearing silicates of both the northern and southern crust, localized concentrations of hydrated phyllosilicates and sulfates but no carbonates, and ices and frosts with a water-ice composition of the north polar perennial cap, as for the south cap, covered by a thin carbon dioxide-ice veneer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Bibring
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), Bâtiment 121, 91405 Orsay Campus, France.
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47
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Solomon SC, Aharonson O, Aurnou JM, Banerdt WB, Carr MH, Dombard AJ, Frey HV, Golombek MP, Hauck SA, Head JW, Jakosky BM, Johnson CL, McGovern PJ, Neumann GA, Phillips RJ, Smith DE, Zuber MT. New Perspectives on Ancient Mars. Science 2005; 307:1214-20. [PMID: 15731435 DOI: 10.1126/science.1101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mars was most active during its first billion years. The core, mantle, and crust formed within approximately 50 million years of solar system formation. A magnetic dynamo in a convecting fluid core magnetized the crust, and the global field shielded a more massive early atmosphere against solar wind stripping. The Tharsis province became a focus for volcanism, deformation, and outgassing of water and carbon dioxide in quantities possibly sufficient to induce episodes of climate warming. Surficial and near-surface water contributed to regionally extensive erosion, sediment transport, and chemical alteration. Deep hydrothermal circulation accelerated crustal cooling, preserved variations in crustal thickness, and modified patterns of crustal magnetization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Solomon
- Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015, USA.
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48
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Glotch TD. Geologic and mineralogic mapping of Aram Chaos: Evidence for a water-rich history. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2004je002389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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49
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Hamilton VE, McSween HY, Hapke B. Mineralogy of Martian atmospheric dust inferred from thermal infrared spectra of aerosols. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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50
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Mustard JF. Joint analysis of ISM and TES spectra: The utility of multiple wavelength regimes for Martian surface studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2004je002355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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