Mid-Infrared Spectra of Martian Komatiite
Abstract
Synthetic mid-infrared emissive spectra of basalts of possible Martian komatiitic compositions were generated to show what might be seen in data returned from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES). TES is flying on the Mars Observer arriving at Mars in late 1993. The synthetic Martian komatiite spectra were generated using mineralogy based on Shergottite, Nakhlite, and Chassigny (SNC) meteorites and Viking X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) data. These data sets provide strong evidence for the existence of ultramafic lavas on Mars, particularly lavas of komatiitic composition.
- Publication:
-
Martian Surface and Atmosphere Through Time
- Pub Date:
- December 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992msat.work..122R
- Keywords:
-
- Achondrites;
- Basalt;
- Infrared Spectra;
- Mars (Planet);
- Meteoritic Composition;
- Nakhlites;
- Thermal Emission;
- Lava;
- Mars Observer;
- Mineralogy;
- Viking Mars Program;
- X Ray Fluorescence;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration