Orbital Identification of Carbonate-Bearing Rocks on Mars
University of Nevada, Reno · Brown University · +7 more institutions
Abstract
Geochemical models for Mars predict carbonate formation during aqueous alteration. Carbonate-bearing rocks had not previously been detected on Mars' surface, but Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mapping reveals a regional rock layer with near-infrared spectral characteristics that are consistent with the presence of magnesium carbonate in the Nili Fossae region. The carbonate is closely associated with both phyllosilicate-bearing and olivine-rich rock units and probably formed during the Noachian or early Hesperian era from the alteration of olivine by either hydrothermal fluids or near-surface water. The presence of carbonate as well as accompanying clays suggests that waters were neutral to alkaline at the time…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 24.69
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 38
Authors
14- BLB. L. EhlmannCorresponding
University of Nevada, Reno, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- JFJohn F. Mustard
University of Nevada, Reno, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- SLS. L. Murchie
University of Nevada, Reno, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- FPF. Poulet
University of Nevada, Reno, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- JLJ. L. Bishop
University of Nevada, Reno, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Topics & keywords
- Noachian
- Hesperian
- Carbonate
- Mars Exploration Program
- Geology
- Weathering
- Geochemistry
- Carbonate minerals
- Life below water