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Iron Oxides of Mars: Evidence for Contemporary WeatheringReflectance spectra of Mars were analyzed using a multiple high order derivative spectroscopy technique. Among the results of the analysis was the presence of suites of bands in each of the spectra that can be attributed to Fe(3e) phases. Several of the spectra contained bands that are very close to the band positions in the laboratory spectra of goethite, an hexagonal hydrated ferric oxide. Spectra of other areas showed absorption bands that were within 3% of the positions for hematite, and hexagonal close packed unhydrated Fe203. Remaining areas showed bands that are intermediate in position to the goethite and hematite bands, suggesting that there may be mixtures of goethite and hematite, and/or intermediate (partially dehydrated goethite) phases present in those areas. Both bright areas and dark areas showed suites of goethite bands and hematite bands, and there does not therefore appear to be a correlation with albedo. The areas that showed the goethite bands are, however, within zones of ongoing or historically frequent dust cloud activity, and the areas with the hematite bands were outside of the zones of frequent dust cloud activity. This suggests the possiblility that the more hydrated phase may occur within a mobile dust component.
Document ID
19850015302
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Huguenin, R. L.
(Massachusetts Univ. Amherst, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: NASA, Washington Repts. of Planetary Geol. and Geophys. Program, 1984
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85N23613
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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