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Mineralogic and petrologic implications of Viking geochemical results from Mars - Interim reportChemical results from four samples of Martian fines delivered to Viking landers 1 and 2 are remarkably similar in that they all have high iron; moderate magnesium, calcium, and sulfur; low aluminum; and apparently very low alkalies and trace elements. This composition is best interpreted as representing the weathering products of mafic igneous rocks. A mineralogic model, derived from computer mixing studies and laboratory analog preparations, suggests that Mars fines could be an intimate mixture of about 80% iron-rich clay, about 10% magnesium sulfate (kieserite), about 5% carbonate (calcite), and about 5% iron oxides (hematite, magnetite, maghemite, goethite). The mafic nature of the present fines (distributed globally) and their probable source rocks seems to preclude large-scale planetary differentiation of a terrestrial nature.
Document ID
19770033056
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Baird, A. K.
(Pomona College Claremont, Calif., United States)
Toulmin, P., III
(Geological Survey Reston, VA, United States)
Rose, H. J., Jr.
(Geological Survey Reston, VA, United States)
Christian, R. P.
(U.S. Geological Survey Reston, Va., United States)
Clark, B. C.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, Colo., United States)
Keil, K.
(Geological Survey Reston, VA, United States)
Gooding, J. L.
(New Mexico, University Albuquerque, N. Mex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
December 17, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 194
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
77A15908
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-9000
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-11858
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-11855
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER L-9717
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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