The Soils of Mars
Abstract
A mineralogical model for the Mars fine soil that includes as major components smectite clays absorbed and coated with amorphous iron oxyhydroxides and perhaps mixed with small amounts of better-crystalized iron oxides as separate phases is proposed. Also present as accessory minerals are sulfate minerals such as kieserite (MgSO4.H2O) and/or anhydrite (CaSO4), rutile (TiO2), and maghemite (Fe2O3) or magnetite (Fe3O4), the last two as magnetic components. Carbonates may be present at low concentrations only (less than 1 to 2 pct). However, a prime question to be addressed by a Mars Sample Return Mission shall be related to the mineralogical composition of the soil, and its spatial variability.
- Publication:
-
Mars Sample Return Science
- Pub Date:
- 1988
- Bibcode:
- 1988msrs.work...35B
- Keywords:
-
- Chemical Composition;
- Clays;
- Mars Surface;
- Mineralogy;
- Models;
- Calcium;
- Carbonates;
- Iron Oxides;
- Magnesium;
- Mars (Planet);
- Mars Sample Return Missions;
- Titanium;
- Water;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration