Ancient aqueous environments at Endeavour crater, Mars
Science
By: R. E. Arvidson, S. W. Squyres, J.F. Bell III, J.G. Catalano, B. C. Clark, L.S. Crumpler, P.A. de Souza Jr., A.G. Fairén, W. H. Farrand, V.K. Fox, Ralf Gellert, A. Ghosh, M.P. Golombeck, J.P. Grotzinger, E.A. Guinness, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, B.L. Jolliff, A.H. Knoll, R. Li, S. M. McLennan, D. W. Ming, D. W. Mittlefehldt, Johnnie N. Moore, R.V. Morris, S.L. Murchie, T. J. Parker, G. Paulsen, J.W. Rice, S. W. Ruff, M. D. Smith, and M.J. Wolff
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Abstract
Opportunity has investigated in detail rocks on the rim of the Noachian age Endeavour crater, where orbital spectral reflectance signatures indicate the presence of Fe+3-rich smectites. The signatures are associated with fine-grained, layered rocks containing spherules of diagenetic or impact origin. The layered rocks are overlain by breccias, and both units are cut by calcium sulfate veins precipitated from fluids that circulated after the Endeavour impact. Compositional data for fractures in the layered rocks suggest formation of Al-rich smectites by aqueous leaching. Evidence is thus preserved for water-rock interactions before and after the impact, with aqueous environments of slightly acidic to circum-neutral pH that would have been more favorable for prebiotic chemistry and microorganisms than those recorded by younger sulfate-rich rocks at Meridiani Planum.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Ancient aqueous environments at Endeavour crater, Mars |
| Series title | Science |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.1248097 |
| Volume | 343 |
| Issue | 6169 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Association for the Advancement of Science |
| Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
| Description | 9 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Science |
| Other Geospatial | Mars;Endeavour Crater |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |