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Location of nanophase Fe-oxides in palagonitic soils: Implication for Martian pigmentsPalagonitic materials from Mauna Kea, Hawaii, were identified as Mars analogs based on their spectral and magnetic properties. These materials probably resulted from hydrothermal alteration during eruption of the volcano and/or from weathering under ambient conditions. The reflectance spectra of the Mars surface obtained by Earth-based telescopes and the reflectance spectra of analogs obtained in the laboratory show features due to electronic transitions of Fe(III) in oxide particles that range in size from nanometer (nanophase) to micrometer sized or larger. The presence of Fe(III) suggests oxidizing conditions during the alteration process in Mars that may have occurred in the past or during a slow ongoing process. Two naturally altered basaltic samples from Hawaii (HWMK12 and HWMK13) and a laboratory-altered (PH-13-DCGT2) basaltic glass similar in elemental composition to the above two samples was examined. All three samples exhibited spectral characteristics similar to martian bright-region spectra. Chemical and mineralogical changes occurring at the surface of these basalts were studied in order to understand the basis for their Mars-like properties. The spectral properties of the three samples were examined after the removal of Fe oxides by chemical extractants.
Document ID
19930022754
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Golden, D. C.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Morris, R. V.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ming, D. W.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Lauer, H. V., Jr.
(Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Houston, TX., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
September 12, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst., MSATT Workshop on Chemical Weathering on Mars
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93N31943
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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