Mineralogic and Petrologic Implications of Viking Geochemical Results From Mars: Interim Report
Abstract
Chemical results from four samples of martian fines delivered to Viking landers 1 and 2 are remarkably similar in that they all have high iron; moderate magnesium, calcium, and sulfur; low aluminum; and apparently very low alkalies and trace elements. This composition is best interpreted as representing the weathering products of mafic igneous rocks. A mineralogic model, derived from computer mixing studies and laboratory analog preparations, suggests that Mars fines could be an intimate mixture of about 80 percent iron-rich clay, about 10 percent magnesium sulfate (kieserite?), about 5 percent carbonate (calcite), and about 5 percent iron oxides (hematite, magnetite, maghemite, goethite?). The mafic nature of the present fines (distributed globally) and their probable source rocks seems to preclude large-scale planetary differentiation of a terrestrial nature.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- December 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.194.4271.1288
- Bibcode:
- 1976Sci...194.1288B
- Keywords:
-
- Chemical Composition;
- Landing Sites;
- Mars Surface;
- Mineral Exploration;
- Petrology;
- Viking Lander Spacecraft;
- Alkali Metals;
- Fines;
- Geochemistry;
- Igneous Rocks;
- Mineralogy;
- Soil Science;
- Trace Elements;
- Viking Mars Program;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration