In Situ Evidence for an Ancient Aqueous Environment at Meridiani Planum, Mars
Planetary Science Institute · University of Nevada, Reno · +6 more institutions
Abstract
Sedimentary rocks at Eagle crater in Meridiani Planum are composed of fine-grained siliciclastic materials derived from weathering of basaltic rocks, sulfate minerals (including magnesium sulfate and jarosite) that constitute several tens of percent of the rock by weight, and hematite. Cross-stratification observed in rock outcrops indicates eolian and aqueous transport. Diagenetic features include hematite-rich concretions and crystal-mold vugs. We interpret the rocks to be a mixture of chemical and siliciclastic sediments with a complex diagenetic history. The environmental conditions that they record include episodic inundation by shallow surface water, evaporation, and desiccation. The geologic record at…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 47.81
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 31
Authors
19- SWS. W. SquyresCorresponding
Planetary Science Institute, University of Nevada, Reno, Cornell University, Arizona State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- JPJ. P. Grotzinger
Planetary Science Institute, University of Nevada, Reno, Cornell University, Arizona State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- RER. E. Arvidson
Planetary Science Institute, University of Nevada, Reno, Cornell University, Arizona State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- JFJ. F. Bell
Planetary Science Institute, University of Nevada, Reno, Cornell University, Arizona State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- WMW. M. Calvin
Planetary Science Institute, University of Nevada, Reno, Cornell University, Arizona State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Topics & keywords
- Geology
- Siliciclastic
- Diagenesis
- Geochemistry
- Weathering
- Sedimentary rock
- Sedimentary depositional environment
- Geomorphology