Structure and stratigraphy of Home Plate from the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

14

Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface Materials And Properties, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Volcanism (6063, 8148, 8450), Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Origin And Evolution, Volcanology: Explosive Volcanism

Scientific paper

Home Plate is a layered plateau observed by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit in the Columbia Hills of Gusev Crater. The structure is roughly 80 m in diameter, and the raised margin exposes a stratigraphic section roughly 1.5 m in thickness. Previous work has proposed a pyroclastic surge, possibly followed by aeolian reworking of the ash, for the depositional origin for these beds. We have performed a quantitative analysis of the structure, stratigraphy, and sedimentology at this location. Our results are consistent with an explosive volcaniclastic origin for the layered sediments. Analysis of bedding orientations over half of the circumference of Home Plate reveals a radially inward dipping structure, consistent with deposition in the volcanic vent, or topographic draping of a preexisting depression. Detailed observations of the sedimentology show that grain sorting varies significantly between outcrops on the east and west sides. Observations on the western side show a well-sorted population of sand sized grains which comprise the bedrock, while the eastern margin shows a wider range of grain sizes, including some coarse granules. These observations are consistent with primary deposition by a pyroclastic surge. However, aeolian reworking of the upper stratigraphic unit is not ruled out. Identification of explosive volcanic products on Mars may implicate magma interaction with subsurface hydrologic reservoirs in the past.

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

Structure and stratigraphy of Home Plate from the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover 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 Structure and stratigraphy of Home Plate from the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Structure and stratigraphy of Home Plate from the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-749383

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