A Martian analog in Kansas: Comparing Martian strata with Permian acid saline lake deposits

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

9

Scientific paper

An important result of the Mars Exploration Rover's (MER) mission has been the images of sedimentary structures and diagenetic features in the Burns Formation at Meridiani Planum. Bedding, cross-bedding, ripple marks, mud cracks, displacive evaporite crystal molds, and hematite concretions are contained in these Martian strata. Together, these features are evidence of past saline groundwater and ephemeral shallow surface waters on Mars. Geochemical analyses of these Martian outcrops have established the presence of sulfates, iron oxides, and jarosite, which strongly suggests that these waters were also acidic. The same assemblage of sedimentary structures and diagenetic features is found in the salt-bearing terrestrial red sandstones and shales of the middle Permian (ca. 270 Ma) Nippewalla Group of Kansas, which were deposited in and around acid saline ephemeral lakes. These striking sedimentological and mineralogical similarities make these Permian red beds and evaporites the best-known terrestrial analog for the Martian sedimentary rocks at Meridiani Planum.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

A Martian analog in Kansas: Comparing Martian strata with Permian acid saline lake deposits does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A Martian analog in Kansas: Comparing Martian strata with Permian acid saline lake deposits, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Martian analog in Kansas: Comparing Martian strata with Permian acid saline lake deposits will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1007411

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.