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Weathering of Mars - Antarctic analog studiesSubaerial extrusion of lavas above permafrost is proposed as a possible weathering regime leading to the presence of Martian surface fines, and the characteristics of this process are examined through a study of the analogous altered terrestrial basalts from Antarctica. On the basis of mineralogical and petrological analyses of samples obtained from core cuttings recovered by the Dry Valley Drilling Program from rocks predominantly of an aklalic basalt-phonolite suite, it is found that in the absence of liquid water, weathering is geologically slow, and that zeolites predominate over clays as secondary mineral. Of the possible weathering processes proposed for Mars, it is concluded that both subaerial extrusion and subpermafrost intrusion of lavas involving liquid water would be less important volumetrically than the hydrothermal alteration of impact melt sheets if water were present during an intense phase of early bombardment, or than subsequent solid-gas alteration reactions. It is thus predicted that the present Martian fines should contain a major contribution from the ancient crust as typified by the southern cratered highlands, and a lesser contribution from the younger basaltic lavas.
Document ID
19810053540
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Berkley, J. L.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Drake, M. J.
(Arizona, University Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 45
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A37944
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7577
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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