Weathering of Fe-bearing minerals under Martian conditions, investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy

Details Weathering of Fe-bearing minerals under Martian conditions, investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy Weathering of Fe-bearing minerals under Martian conditions, investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy

Sep 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004p%26ss...52..997s&link_type=abstract

Planetary and Space Science, Volume 52, Issue 11, p. 997-1010.

Mathematics

Logic

9

Scientific paper

The surface of Mars is covered by weathered material. Mars' rusty red colour in particular is commonly ascribed to ferric iron-bearing minerals. The planet's surface is generally iron rich. Mössbauer spectroscopy is a powerful tool for quantitative mineralogical analysis of Fe-bearing minerals. Consequently, the miniaturized Mössbauer spectrometer MIMOS II is part of the payload of NASA's twin Mars Exploration Rovers “Spirit” and “Opportunity”, and ESA's ill-fated Mars Express lander “Beagle 2”. Both Mars Exploration Rovers are currently conducting successful surface operations on Mars. In this paper, we give a brief insight into mission operations with respect to the reconstruction of local weathering scenarios at the landing sites, which in turn will help to illuminate the climatic history of the planet. Mössbauer spectra obtained in preparation of the mission from the SNC meteorites Nakhla, Dar al Gani 476, and Sayh al Uhaymir, show weathering and other alteration features. Preliminary results of laboratory weathering experiments on Fe-bearing minerals (olivine and pyroxene) show the importance of analysing individual minerals to understand weathering of more complex mineral assemblages like, e.g., basalt.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Weathering of Fe-bearing minerals under Martian conditions, investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy 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 Weathering of Fe-bearing minerals under Martian conditions, investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Weathering of Fe-bearing minerals under Martian conditions, investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-802291