Mantle Metasomatism in Mars: Evidence from Bulk Chemical Compositions of Martian BasaltsBulk compositions of martian meteorite basalts suggest that they formed from a highly depleted mantle that was variably metasomatised and enriched in incompatible elements. These results are consistent with radio-isotope results. Bulk chemical compositions of basaltic rocks retain clues and tracers to their origins and histories. Interpretations of bulk compositions are not so straight-forward as once envisioned, because real-world magmatic processes can be far from theoretical simple models like one-stage partial melting or closed-system fractional crystallization. Yet, bulk chemistry can shed a broad (if dim) light on Martian basalt petrogenesis that complements the sharply focussed illumination of radio-isotope systematics.
Document ID
20030110669
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Treiman, A. H. (Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX, United States)