Martian surface mineralogy from orbital spectroscopy: A single story from multiple wavelength regions

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

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5410 Composition (1060, 3672), 5464 Remote Sensing, 5470 Surface Materials And Properties, 5494 Instruments And Techniques, 6225 Mars

Scientific paper

Spectroscopic remote sensing of Mars has made enormous advances over the past decade due to the Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA), Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) investigations. These three instruments are highly complimentary in both spatial and spectral coverage and, when used together, provide a great deal of confidence in their derived science results. Although both visible and near-infrared (VNIR) and thermal infrared (TIR) spectroscopy are useful for identifying surface mineralogy, the two wavelength regions have variable sensitivities to different types of minerals and surface textures. Where the capabilities overlap, as in the case of pyroxenes and olivine, they bolster the individual results. Their capabilities can also be complimentary, as in the case of the association of hematite (identified by TES) with sulfate (identified by OMEGA) deposits. Though there has been debate regarding some of the mineralogical results from these investigations, a remarkably consistent picture of Martian global surface mineralogy is emerging. This includes basaltic highlands composed of plagioclase and variable pyroxene compositions. Minor olivine appears to be present except in localized regions such as Nili Fossae that can have much higher olivine concentrations. The basalts are absent from the northern lowlands except in isolated localities. The northern lowlands are dominated by plagioclase and high silica amorphous glass. Clear evidence of significant chemical weathering or alteration is present in localized regions where compositions such as phyllosilicates, hematite, and sulfates have been discovered. In addition, a number of isolated unique compositions have been identified, including orthopyroxenites and granitoids. It is important to consider the TES, THEMIS, and OMEGA instrument sensitivities when assessing these results. For example, pyroxene compositions derived from OMEGA data at first appear to be inconsistent with TES results. However, when the uncertainties of both instruments are taken into account, the results are actually in good agreement. It is a comparison of these types of details that are crucial for properly assessing the investigation results.

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