Possible solution to the mystery of Type 2 material on Mars.

[exoscientist]

Mars Global Surveyor identified two primary surface types on Mars, Type 1 and Type 2.<br />Type 1 material was identified as due to basaltic lava. However, the origin of Type 2 material has been a mystery. Proposed explanations include andesitic lava, or aqueously altered basaltic lava.<br />A report to the 7th International Conference on Mars may provide a means of resolving this mystery:<br /><br />NEW CLUES TO THE ORIGIN OF TES SURFACE TYPE 2 MATERIAL.<br />S. W. Ruff1, P. R. Christensen1, and the Athena Science Team,<br />1School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6305, ****@asu.edu.<br />Seventh International Conference on Mars.<br />http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/7thmars2007/pdf/3367.pdf<br /><br />This report suggests the high silica nodules and deposits seen by Spirit may have the same spectra as the Type 2 material.<br />The high silica material is described here:<br /><br />Mars Exploration Rovers Update:<br />Spirit Finds Past Water at Home, Opportunity Takes in Tierra del Fuego.<br />By A.J.S. Rayl<br />April 30, 2007<br />"The typical rocks that we encounter with both rovers have silica values in the mid 40% range and here all of a sudden we're seeing a value that's jumped way up to 72% SiO2," Ruff explained. In addition to that APXS-derived percentage, the Mini-TES spectra of these high silica rocks, he said, indicate they are associated with "an amorphous silica," meaning a non-crystalline-like silica. "Although we still haven't quite put that whole puzzle together, we can be pretty confident that this area of Mars went through a process that involved interaction with water." Moreover, he added, "it would take a significant amount of water to enrich this outcrop or layer to this level of silica.<br />"By examining Elizabeth Mahon in-depth and getting all its spectral characteristics, the MER team can then link it via morphology to a much larg <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[enigma10]

Interesting. Thanks for the info! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <em>"<font color="#333399">An organism at war with itself is a doomed organism." - Carl Sagan</font></em> </div>