Thermal Emission Spectra of Altered Tephras and Constraints on the Composition of Martian DustWe have begun to create a comprehensive set of thermal infrared (TIR, approx. 1650-200/cm, approx. 6-50 microns) spectra of palagonitic and hydrothermally altered soils that exhibit a range of mineralogical and chemical compositions for use in analyzing MGS TES data. Palagonite, a phyllosilicate-poor hydrolytically altered tephra, has been suggested as a possible component of the martian soil/dust based on visible and near infrared (VNIR) spectral similarities with martian dusty regions. The chemistry and crystallinity of altered tephras are highly variable depending on the parent material and local environmental conditions, and are important indicators of alteration processes.
Document ID
20030110617
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hamilton, Victoria E. (Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Morris, Richard V. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)