EVIDENCE for HESPERIAN ACIDIC ALTERATION in IUS CHASMA. C. M. Weitz1, J. L. Bishop2, J. Flahaut3, C. Gross4, A.M. Saranathan5, Y

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

EVIDENCE for HESPERIAN ACIDIC ALTERATION in IUS CHASMA. C. M. Weitz1, J. L. Bishop2, J. Flahaut3, C. Gross4, A.M. Saranathan5, Y Ninth International Conference on Mars 2019 (LPI Contrib. No. 2089) 6240.pdf EVIDENCE FOR HESPERIAN ACIDIC ALTERATION IN IUS CHASMA. C. M. Weitz1, J. L. Bishop2, J. Flahaut3, C. Gross4, A.M. Saranathan5, Y. Itoh5, and M. Parente5, 1Planetary Science Institute (1700 E Fort Lowell, Suite 106, Tucson, AZ 85719, [email protected]), 2SETI Institute (Carl Sagan Center, 189 Bernardo Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043), 3CRPG (15 rue Notre Dame des Pauvres, BP 20 54500 Vandœuvre les Nancy, France), 4Free University of Berlin (Berlin, Germany), 5 University of Massachusetts Amherst (Dept. Electrical & Computer Engi- neering, University of Massachusetts, 151 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003). Introduction: Recent studies of Ius Chasma, Me- CRISM results: CRISM spectra taken from sev- las Chasma, Noctis Labyrinthus, and Mawrth Vallis eral images across the doublet unit show there are vari- have revealed unique surface materials that could be ations in the strength and location of the 2.2-2.3 µm related to acidic alteration [1-7]. These mystery phases absorptions. As shown in Figure 2, some doublet spec- exhibit a “doublet” absorption in CRISM spectra be- tra have equal strength absorptions at 2.22 and 2.27 tween 2.2 and 2.3 µm that occurs in a variety of pat- µm (b), whereas others have a much stronger 2.22 µm terns, but is distinct from the commonly observed min- absorption relative to the 2.27 µm (c) or a stronger eral bands attributed to Al- and Fe-rich phyllosilicates. 2.27 µm relative to the 2.22 µm (d). These results indi- This “doublet” unit is typically characterized by a pair cate that a simple mixture cannot explain the observed of bands at 2.21-2.23 and 2.25-2.28 µm (attributed to shifts and intensity of spectral features, and at least two OH combination vibrations). This “doublet” deposit types of doublet materials are present. The lab spec- also exhibits an absorption near 1.9 µm due to the H2O trum that most closely matches the doublet material in stretch plus bend combination mode. The band centers spectrum b is an acid leached Fe-smectite (Fig. 2e) [8]. and relative intensity of the doublet features vary The lab spectrum that most closely matches the dou- greatly, suggesting a process such as acid weathering blet material in spectrum c is a soil with mixtures of could be acting on OH-bearing minerals to produce jarosite, Ca-sulfate, and montmorillonite (j) [9]. The altered phases that differ depending on the type of sub- spectrum from d must have more jarosite to explain the strate, water/rock ratio, solution chemistry, and dura- stronger 2.27 µm band. Similar doublet materials at tion of aqueous processes. Mawrth Vallis showed a wider variety of doublet In this study, we focused on the “doublet” deposit properties with bands near 2.21-2.23 and 2.25-2.28 µm observed within central Ius Chasma, specifically along [4,6,10]. Geryon Montes (Fig. 1), which is a central horst brack- eted to the north and south by graben. We examined CRISM, HiRISE, CTX, and HRSC images to deter- mine what morphology and materials correlate to the “doublet” deposit. We also utilized HRSC Digital Ter- rain Models (DTMs) to explore the stratigraphy and elevation associated with the doublet type materials. Figure 2. CRISM spectra (a-d) from image FRTA202. Spectrum ‘a’ is a hydrated sulfate+smectite. Spectrum ‘b’ has equal strength absorptions at 2.22 and 2.28 µm. Spectrum ‘c’ has a stronger absorption at 2.22 relative Figure 1. CTX mosaic of central Geryon Montes. to 2.28 µm. Spectrum ‘d’ has a stronger 2.28 µm ab- CRISM spectral parameter images are overlain in color sorption relative to the 2.22 µm. Spectra e-j are labora- (R=BD1900R2, G=D2200, B=D2300) and show the tory spectra, where e=acid leached smectite, doublet material (yellow-green) and hydrated sul- f=magnesium polyhydrated sulfate, g=jarosite-gypsum fate+smectite material (magenta) correlate to light- mixture, h=jarosite, i=butlerite, and j=soil with jaro- toned deposits along the Geryon Montes wallrock. site, Ca-sulfate, and montmorillonite. Ninth International Conference on Mars 2019 (LPI Contrib. No. 2089) 6240.pdf Samples collected in Rio Tinto, Spain exhibit a doublet Marineris, which is why the deposit appears patchy in type spectrum that is attributed to a mixture of Al- distribution. phyllosilicates and jarosite that also matches the Ius Chasma doublet [7]. We also show a material with hydrated sulfate and Fe/Mg-smectite signatures corresponding to different and older materials than the doublet (Fig. 2a). Morphology: HiRISE and CTX images of the doublet material are complex and reveal much variabil- ity within the deposit. Figure 3a shows a clean and bright doublet exposure surrounded by slightly higher and darker doublet material, producing a brecciated appearance in the outcrop. Given that the doublet de- Figure 4. HRSC image 931 DTM perspective view posit occurs along steep slopes, it is plausible that (4X vertical exaggeration) of doublet material (white downslope movement of the deposit due to gravity has arrows) draping the wallrock of Geryon Montes in Ius created the observed brecciated appearance, with the Chasma. Colors are the same as in Figure 1. cleaner, lower exposure representing the intact deposit and the darker upper materials representing the dis- Conclusions: Acidic surface water or groundwater placed doublet deposit that has moved downslope. was proposed [1] to explain the formation of the Ius Rounded and curvy ridges associated with the upper, doublet deposit as either altered Fe/Mg-smectites or darker doublet materials could represent flow struc- precipitated poorly crystalline Fe-SiO2 phases. How- tures produced during this downslope movement. ever, the draping nature of the doublet material and its Another doublet exposure lower in elevation (Fig. occurrence at high elevations along the Geryon Montes 3b) has fine scale fracturing, producing a blockier ap- wallrock, which lacks evidence for fluvial flow, is not pearance than observed in Fig. 3a. These morphologic consistent with either a groundwater or surface source differences in the doublet deposit are consistent with for the water that caused the acidic alteration. the CRISM spectra that show spectral variations within A similar doublet material draping the southern the doublet deposit. The hydrated sulfate+smecite ma- wallrock of western Melas Chasma was proposed to be terial (Fig. 3c) exhibits lineations and color variations airfall material, either atmospheric dust or volcanic that are not observed in the doublet materials. ash, that was altered by ice/snow accumulation along the wallrock slopes [3]. We hypothesize that ice/snow accumulation along the Geryon Montes wallrock slopes influenced and controlled sedimentary deposi- tion by trapping and subsequently altering the ash/dust into the hydrated doublet materials. Local differences in the content of sulfur and/or iron in the deposit or Figure 3. Blowups of HiRISE enhanced color images. changes in pH and redox conditions of the water would (a) Clean and brighter exposure surrounded by slightly result in different amounts of each mineral assemblage, darker and higher-standing materials. (b) Doublet ma- which in turn would explain the spectral and morpho- terial with fine scale fracturing and blocky appearance. logic variations observed in the doublet deposit. White arrows show where a darker floor unit overlies The age of the doublet deposit must be middle to the doublet materials. (c) Lineations and color varia- late Hesperian because it overlies Geryon Montes, tions within the hydrated sulfate+smectite deposit. which formed as part of the Valles Marineris system during the Late Noachian to Hesperian [11,12]. Stratigraphy: We used a HRSC DTM to deter- References: [1] Roach, L.H. et al. (2010) Icarus 206, 253- mine the stratigraphy of the doublet material. Figure 4 268. [2] Weitz, C.M. et al. (2011) Geology 39, 899-902. [3] shows where the doublet material drapes along the Weitz, C.M. et al. (2015) Icarus 251, 291-314. [4] Bishop, slope of Geryon Montes wallrock and extends across J.L. et al. (2016) LPSC 47, #1332. [5] Flahaut, J. et al. (2014) ~1.3 km in elevation. These observations indicate the 8th Mars, #1411. [6] Bishop, J.L. et al. (2019) 9th Mars, this doublet material formed after Geryon Montes and it is volume. [7] Kaplan et al. (2016) Icarus 275, 45-64; [8] likely an airfall deposit. Younger eolian debris and Madejova, J. et al. (2009) Vib Spec. 49, 211-218. [9] Perrin mass wasting material from the wallrock have covered et al. (2019) LPSC 50, #1903; [10] Danielsen et al. (2019) much of the doublet deposit throughout western Valles LPSC 50, #3017; [11] Tanaka, K.L. (1986) JGR 91, E139- 158. [12] Tanaka, K.L. et al. (2014) USGS SIM 3292. .
Recommended publications
  • Workers' Guide to Health and Safety
    Workers’ Guide to Health and Safety by Todd Jailer Miriam Lara-Meloy and Maggie Robbins health guides Berkeley, California, USA Copyright © 2015 by Hesperian Health Guides. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-942364-71-2 Hesperian encourages you to copy, reproduce, or adapt any or all parts of this book, including the illustrations, provided that you do this for non-commercial purposes, credit Hesperian, and follow the other requirements of Hesperian’s Open Copyright License (see www.hesperian.org/about/open-copyright). For certain kinds of adaptation and distribution, we ask that you first obtain permission from Hesperian. Contact [email protected] to use any part of this book: for commercial purposes; in quantities more than 100 print copies; in any digital format; or with an organizational budget more than US $1 million. We also ask that you contact Hesperian for permission before beginning any translation, to avoid duplication of efforts, and for suggestions about adapting the information in this book. Please send Hesperian a copy of any materials in which text or illustrations from this book have been used. THIS EDITION CAN BE IMPROVED WITH YOUR HELP. If you are a worker health promoter, occupational safety and health professional, community organizer, or anyone with ideas or suggestions for ways this book could be changed to better meet the needs of your community, please write to Hesperian. Thank you for your help. This book has been printed in Canada by Friesens, an employee-owned corporation, on 100% post-consumer, chlorine-free, recycled paper. health guides Hesperian Health Guides 1919 Addison St.
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanism on Mars
    Author's personal copy Chapter 41 Volcanism on Mars James R. Zimbelman Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA William Brent Garry and Jacob Elvin Bleacher Sciences and Exploration Directorate, Code 600, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA David A. Crown Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ, USA Chapter Outline 1. Introduction 717 7. Volcanic Plains 724 2. Background 718 8. Medusae Fossae Formation 725 3. Large Central Volcanoes 720 9. Compositional Constraints 726 4. Paterae and Tholi 721 10. Volcanic History of Mars 727 5. Hellas Highland Volcanoes 722 11. Future Studies 728 6. Small Constructs 723 Further Reading 728 GLOSSARY shield volcano A broad volcanic construct consisting of a multitude of individual lava flows. Flank slopes are typically w5, or less AMAZONIAN The youngest geologic time period on Mars identi- than half as steep as the flanks on a typical composite volcano. fied through geologic mapping of superposition relations and the SNC meteorites A group of igneous meteorites that originated on areal density of impact craters. Mars, as indicated by a relatively young age for most of these caldera An irregular collapse feature formed over the evacuated meteorites, but most importantly because gases trapped within magma chamber within a volcano, which includes the potential glassy parts of the meteorite are identical to the atmosphere of for a significant role for explosive volcanism. Mars. The abbreviation is derived from the names of the three central volcano Edifice created by the emplacement of volcanic meteorites that define major subdivisions identified within the materials from a centralized source vent rather than from along a group: S, Shergotty; N, Nakhla; C, Chassigny.
    [Show full text]
  • Abstract STUBBLEFIELD, RASHONDA KIAM. Extensional Tectonics at Alba Mons, Mars
    Abstract STUBBLEFIELD, RASHONDA KIAM. Extensional Tectonics at Alba Mons, Mars: A Case Study for Local versus Regional Stress Fields. (Under the direction of Dr. Paul K. Byrne). Alba Mons is a large shield volcano on Mars, the development of which appears to be responsible for tectonic landforms oriented radially and circumferentially to the shield. These landforms include those interpreted as extensional structures, such as normal faults and systems of graben. These structures, however, may also be associated with broader, regional stress field emanating from the volcano-tectonic Tharsis Rise, to the south of Alba Mons and centered on the equator. In this study, I report on structural and statistical analyses for normal faults proximal to Alba Mons (in a region spanning 95–120° W and 14–50° N) and test for systematic changes in fault properties with distance from the volcano and from Tharsis. A total of 11,767 faults were mapped for this study, and these faults were all measured for strike, length, and distance from Alba Mons and Tharsis. Additional properties were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed within a subset of 62 faults, and model ages were obtained for two areas with crater statistics. Distinguishing traits for each structure population include fault properties such as strike, vertical displacement (i.e., throw) distribution profiles, displacement–length (Dmax/L) scaling, and spatial (i.e., cross-cutting) relationships with adjacent faults with different strikes. The only statistically significant correlation in these analyses was between study fault strike with distance from Tharsis. The lack of trends in the data suggest that one or more geological processes is obscuring the expected similarities in properties for these fault systems, such as volcanic resurfacing, mechanical restriction, or fault linkage.
    [Show full text]
  • FROM WET PLANET to RED PLANET Current and Future Exploration Is Shaping Our Understanding of How the Climate of Mars Changed
    FROM WET PLANET TO RED PLANET Current and future exploration is shaping our understanding of how the climate of Mars changed. Joel Davis deciphers the planet’s ancient, drying climate 14 DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | DECEMBER 2020 | 15 FEATURE GEOSCIENTIST t has been an exciting year for Mars exploration. 2020 saw three spacecraft launches to the Red Planet, each by diff erent space agencies—NASA, the Chinese INational Space Administration, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Space Agency. NASA’s latest rover, Perseverance, is the fi rst step in a decade-long campaign for the eventual return of samples from Mars, which has the potential to truly transform our understanding of the still scientifi cally elusive Red Planet. On this side of the Atlantic, UK, European and Russian scientists are also getting ready for the launch of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos Rosalind Franklin rover mission in 2022. The last 20 years have been a golden era for Mars exploration, with ever increasing amounts of data being returned from a variety of landed and orbital spacecraft. Such data help planetary geologists like me to unravel the complicated yet fascinating history of our celestial neighbour. As planetary geologists, we can apply our understanding of Earth to decipher the geological history of Mars, which is key to guiding future exploration. But why is planetary exploration so focused on Mars in particular? Until recently, the mantra of Mars exploration has been to follow the water, which has played an important role in shaping the surface of Mars.
    [Show full text]
  • The Formation History of Olympus Mons from Paleo-Topography
    42nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (2011) 2202.pdf THE FORMATION HISTORY OF OLYMPUS MONS FROM PALEO-TOPOGRAPHY. L. M. Jozwiak1,2 R. J. Isherwood2, and J. C. Andrews-Hanna2, 1Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA, [email protected], 2Dept. of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, [email protected]. Introduction: The Olympus Mons shield volcano on the northwestern edge of Mars’ Tharsis rise is the largest volcano in the solar system. Its volcanic his- tory is intimately tied with the volcanic and geody- namic history of Tharsis and of Mars as a whole. Pre- vious studies used crater counting to estimate the age of the flanks of Olympus, with typical values of ~200 Myr [1]. However, establishing the formation history for Olympus Mons is complicated by the fact that each volcanic eruption resurfaces the flanks, erasing the previous crater record. Here we place constraints on the bulk formation history of Olympus Mons by recon- structing the paleo-flexural history of the surrounding region. Crater retention ages from lava flows on the flexural trough surrounding the edifice that pre-date the trough are used to constrain the onset of volcanic loading. Crater retention ages from the aureole depos- its are used to constrain the age at which a significant fraction of the edifice was in place. These two ages bracket the main constructional period of Olympus. Paleo-topography of the Olympus Mons flexural trough. The concept of paleo-topography is used in terrestrial geodynamics to reconstruct the vertical mo- tions of the lithosphere [2], but has seen less use in planetary applications [3].
    [Show full text]
  • GEOLOGIC MAPS of the OLYMPUS MONS REGION of MARS by Elliot C. Morris and Kenneth L. Tanaka
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY GEOLOGIC MAPS OF THE OLYMPUS MONS REGION OF MARS By Elliot C. Morris and Kenneth L. Tanaka Prepared for the NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ..... t\:) a 0 a0 0 0 )> z 0 ..... ..... MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIONS SERIES a 0 Published by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1994 a0 0 0 3: ~ U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO ACCOMPANY MAP I-2327 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY GEOLOGIC MAPS OF THE OLYMPUS MONS REGION OF MARS By Elliot C. Morris and Kenneth L. Tanaka INTRODUCTION measurements of relief valuable in determining such factors as Olympus Mons is one of the broadest volcanoes and volcano volume, structural offsets, and lava-flow rheology. certainly the tallest in the Solar System. It has been extensively Except for the difference in extent of the areas mapped, the described and analyzed in scientific publications and frequently topographic information, the cartographic control (latitudes noted in the popular and nontechnical literature of Mars. and longitudes of features may differ by as much as a few tenths However, the first name given to the feature-Nix Olympica of a degree), and the greater detail permitted by the larger scale (Schiaparelli, 1879)-was based on its albedo, not its size, base, the two maps are virtually the same. A comparison of our because early telescopic observations of Mars revealed only map units with those of other Viking-based maps is given in albedo features and not topography (lnge and others, 1971). table 1. After Mariner 9 images acquired in 1971 showed that this Unravellng the geology of the Olympus Mons region is not albedo feature coincides with a giant shield volcano (McCauley limited to a simple exercise in stratigraphy.
    [Show full text]
  • Noachian-Hesperian Transition and a Possible Climatic Optimum: Evidence from Landforms
    Second Conference on Early Mars (2004) 8014.pdf NOACHIAN-HESPERIAN TRANSITION AND A POSSIBLE CLIMATIC OPTIMUM: EVIDENCE FROM LANDFORMS. J. M. Moore1 and A. D. Howard2, 1NASA Ames Research Center, MS 245-3, Moffett Field, CA, 94035-100, [email protected]., 2Department of Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 400123, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4123, [email protected] Introduction: A climatic optimum? The often apex. Ridges are often stacked upon one another, strong contrast between the ‘pristine’ and degraded exhibiting crosscutting and superposition. One ridge Noachian channels and craters noted in [e.g. 1] might forms a well-defined loop with distinct, successive be due to a gradual climatic change superimposed scroll-bar recording the progressive growth of the upon an episode of mantling associated with early meander, and eventually its cutoff, identical to that Hesperian volcanism. On the other hand, one or more seen on terrestrial floodplains. The digitate periphery episodes of volcanism or large impacts could have in detail is scarp-like, where individual ridge flanks induced global warming [2,3] and produced a and termini exhibit alternating steep slopes and ledges relatively short-lived optimum for precipitation and forming up to on order of a dozen steps, each ~10 m runoff. The rapid cutoff of fluvial activity following high interpreted to discrete layers of indurated the development of the later ‘pristine’ fluvial features material. To date only one other feature similar to (but is consistent with this scenario. We discuss the less well presented) this delta has been found, also on changing style of erosion in the highlands during the N-H materials (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Persistent Or Repeated Surface Habitability on Mars During the Late Hesperian - Amazonian
    Persistent or repeated surface habitability on Mars during the Late Hesperian - Amazonian Edwin S. Kite1,*, Jonathan Sneed1, David P. Mayer1, Sharon A. Wilson2 1. University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA (* [email protected]) 2. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA Published in: Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, doi:10.1002/2017GL072660. Key Points: • Alluvial fans on Mars did not form during a short-lived climate anomaly • We use the distribution of observed craters embedded in alluvial fans to place a lower limit on fan formation time of >20 Ma • The lower limit on fan formation time increases to >(100-300) Ma when model estimates of craters completely buried in the fans are included Abstract. Large alluvial fan deposits on Mars record relatively recent habitable surface conditions (≲3.5 Ga, Late Hesperian – Amazonian). We find net sedimentation rate <(4-8) μm/yr in the alluvial-fan deposits, using the frequency of craters that are interbedded with alluvial-fan deposits as a fluvial-process chronometer. Considering only the observed interbedded craters sets a lower bound of >20 Myr on the total time interval spanned by alluvial-fan aggradation, >103-fold longer than previous lower limits. A more realistic approach that corrects for craters fully entombed in the fan deposits raises the lower bound to >(100-300) Myr. Several factors not included in our calculations would further increase the lower bound. The lower bound rules out fan-formation by a brief climate anomaly. Therefore, during the Late Hesperian – Amazonian on Mars, persistent or repeated processes permitted habitable surface conditions. 1. Introduction. Large alluvial fans on Mars record one or more river-supporting climates on ≲3.5 Ga Mars (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Revisiting Noachian-Hesperian Crater Degradation: Processes and Potential Effects
    11th Planetary Crater Consortium 2020 (LPI Contrib. No. 2251) 2066.pdf REVISITING NOACHIAN-HESPERIAN CRATER DEGRADATION: PROCESSES AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS. J. W. Head1, B. D. Boatwright1, A. M. Palumbo1, D. K. Weiss1, M. K. Kreslavsky2, J. L. Fastook3, 1Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 20912 USA, 2Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA, 3School of Computing and Information Science, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469 USA. ([email protected]). Introduction: On Earth, landforms and their degrada- tion we highlight several of these new developments and tion are one of the most critical witnesses to climate and outline some remaining outstanding questions. its evolution. Landforms produced by dynamic processes Perspectives on NoAchiAn Geologic Sequence And (tectonic, volcanic, impact) are “out of equilibrium” with History: A synthesis of the sequence and timing of con- the integrated processes that tend to cause erosion and ditions on early Mars (Fig. 2) [10] showed 1) the distinc- planation. What are the key processes that modify these tive separation of the EN basin-forming period (Hellas, “out of equilibrium” landforms and how do we model Isidis, Argyre) from the MN-LN during which no basins them quantitatively? There is a rich history of investiga- formed, 2) the LN-EH during which the valley networks tion and development of sophisticated landscape evolu- (VN) formed [11], earlier hypothesized to be related to tion models for Earth. basin formation cause and effect [12], 3) the lack of cor- These same approaches have been successfully applied relation between phyllosilicate weathering and VN for- to Mars, particularly in reference to the most common mation, and 4) the relationship between these events and landform, impact craters and their degradation [1-8].
    [Show full text]
  • Toward a Calibrated Geologic Time Scale: Stratigraphy and the Rock Record of Mars
    Toward a Calibrated Geologic Time Scale: Stratigraphy and the Rock Record of Mars John Grotzinger with thanks to A. Allwood S. Bowring B. Ehlmann J. Griffes L. Hinnov K. Lewis R. Milliken J. Mustard L. Roach K. Tanaka Mars Bedrock Stratigraphy: Major Questions •What are the “ancient” cratered terrains composed of, and what does the coarse layering indicate? Impact breccia? Hydrothermal breccia? Volcanics? Sedimentary rocks? •What are the vast, well- bedded terrains composed of? Eolian Sand and Dust? Subaqueously transported sediments? Lava? Pyroclastics? •Is there a preserved record of temporal breakpoints in geologic processes or environmental conditions? Is there a global environmental history preserved that varies with time? (e.g. oxygenation of the Earth) Acidification of Mars? •How old are these strata and when did the environmental break points occur? •Are the hydrated minerals in these rocks closely related in time to the formation age of the rocks (e.g. magmatic crystallization, or sedimentation)? Or do they relate to much later alteration or diagenesis? (e.g. Could the phyllosilicates seen in “ancient, deeply exhumed” terrains be “younger and shallower” in origin? Could the hydrated sulfates be a more recent climatic phenomenon? Principles, Important Concepts Any Geologic Timescale has two Components: •Relative ordering of geologic events •Absolute time constraints (radiometric age determinations) Correlatable rock property Geochronometer + Fossil Mineral Isotope Zircon Jarosite? Geologic Time Scale: Circa 1860 Mars Time Scale,
    [Show full text]
  • GEOLOGY of URANIUS THOLUS, MARS. J. B. Plescia, U. S. Geological Survey, 2255 N
    Lunar and Planetary Science XXX 1648.pdf GEOLOGY OF URANIUS THOLUS, MARS. J. B. Plescia, U. S. Geological Survey, 2255 N. Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. The Uranius group of volcanoes in the northeast some ejecta can be traced a short distance onto the part of Tharsis includes Uranius Patera, Uranius northern flank. Tholus, and Ceraunius Tholus; these are among the Numerous closed depressions occur on the flank; smaller and older tholi and paterae. Analysis of they appear rimless and are interpreted to be collapse these constructs is important for understanding the features. In several cases troughs occur down slope nature and style of early volcanism in Tharsis. Pre- from the depressions, but the troughs are not physi- vious studies have considered these volcanoes only in cally connected to the depressions at the surface. a general manner (1, 2). Here the geology of Ura- Several troughs are clearly observed on the flank nius Tholus is presented; Ceraunius Tholus and and additional unresolved troughs are suggested by Uranius Patera are described elsewhere (3). the flank texture. Most troughs begin just below the Uranius Tholus (Table 1) is the smallest and caldera rim; none breach the rim. The heads of most poorly imaged construct of the Uranius group, some troughs are marked by a wider, shallow depres- making geologic analysis difficult. The flanks are sion; others by simple theater-headed end. Troughs characterized by troughs and several large craters; are 600 - 1200 m wide. The southern side of the the summit region by a caldera complex. flank lacks obvious troughs and has a texture sug- gesting the flank is covered with lava flows.
    [Show full text]
  • Evidence for Two Stages of Melting of an Extensive Late Noachian Ice Sheet
    Planetary and Space Science 109-110 (2015) 1–20 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Planetary and Space Science journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/pss Late Noachian and early Hesperian ridge systems in the south circumpolar Dorsa Argentea Formation, Mars: Evidence for two stages of melting of an extensive late Noachian ice sheet Ailish M. Kress, James W. Head n Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA article info abstract Article history: The Dorsa Argentea Formation (DAF), extending from 2701–1001 Eand701–901 S, is a huge circumpolar Received 7 July 2014 deposit surrounding and underlying the Late Amazonian South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD) of Mars. Received in revised form Currently mapped as Early-Late Hesperian in age, the Dorsa Argentea Formation has been interpreted as 27 October 2014 volatile-rich, possibly representing the remnants of an ancient polar ice cap. Uncertain are its age (due to the Accepted 21 November 2014 possibility of poor crater retention in ice-related deposits), its mode of origin, theoriginofthedistinctive Available online 5 December 2014 sinuousridgesandcavithatcharacterize the unit, and its significance in the climate history of Mars. In order to Keywords: assess the age of activity associated with the DAF, we examined the ridge populations within the Dorsa Glaciers Argentea Formation, mapping and characterizing seven different ridge systems (composed of nearly 4,000 Eskers ridges covering a total area of 300,000 km2, with a cumulative length of ridges of 51,000 km) and Ice sheets performing crater counts on them using the method of buffered crater counting to determine crater retention South pole Mars ages of the ridge populations.
    [Show full text]