Geochemical interpretation of the results of measuring gamma-radiation of Mars.
Abstract
Measurements made by the Mars-5 space probe of the natural radioactivity of the Martian surface are discussed in terms of the probable concentrations of natural radioelements and rock-forming elements present. Analysis of the thorium and uranium contents of two partially overlapping areas of the Martian surface with different proportions of ancient cratered terrain and volcanic formations, and different proportions of dark and bright regions reveals the presence of crustal material of two basic compositions. The Martian volcanic rocks have compositions close to the basalts of the earth, moon and probably Venus. The Martian highland formations, on the other hand, have lower thorium and uranium contents similar to those of the anorthosite-norite-troctolite group of the lunar highlands. Interpretation in terms of albedo differences yields ambiguous results, leaving unresolved the question of differential uranium and thorium contents in weathered and unweathered rock.
- Publication:
-
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Proceedings
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980LPSC...11..669S
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Spectra;
- Geochemistry;
- Mars Surface;
- Planetary Evolution;
- Radioactive Isotopes;
- Astronomical Models;
- Earth Surface;
- Lunar Surface;
- Mars 5 Spacecraft;
- Thorium Isotopes;
- Uranium Isotopes;
- Venus Surface;
- MARS;
- GAMMA-RAYS;
- GEOCHEMISTRY;
- RADIATION;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration; Mars;
- Gamma Rays:Mars