Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p12a..02b&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P12A-02
Mathematics
Logic
[5410] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Composition, [5415] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Erosion And Weathering, [5470] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Surface Materials And Properties, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
Despite the evidence for aqueous processes at many locations, martian equatorial dark regions have been interpreted as dominated by unweathered materials that have not been significantly altered from the source mineralogy. The suite of minerals present is consistent with a basaltic composition and there has been no need to invoke additional processes to explain the origin of these compositions. We have begun to question this result based on detailed observations from a variety of datasets. Both local and global observations indicate a link between source rocks and dark soils on Mars. Locally derived dark soils have a mineralogy distinct from that of adjacent rocky surfaces; most notably a lower olivine content. This pattern is common for many surfaces across the planet. Detailed measurements at the Gusev Plains indicate a similar mineralogical relationship. However, Alpha Proton X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) results do not show elemental abundances consistent with significant mineralogical differences (except in S content) between rocks and dark soils. This apparent disparity can be explained by “cation conservative” weathering. This process can significantly alter the mineralogy of a surface, but water is limited enough to prevent significant transportation and separation of materials. The elemental and mineralogical relationships between rocks and soils appear to indicate that aqueous alteration is an important process in the formation of the martian dark soils that cover much of equatorial Mars. Chemical weathering is associated with the mechanical breakdown of materials on Mars.
Bandfield Joshua L.
Edwards Christopher S.
Rogers David
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