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AGU: Journal of Geophysical Research, Planets

 

Keywords

  • Mars
  • Gusev
  • thermophysical properties
  • spectroscopic properties
  • surface properties

Index Terms

  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Remote sensing
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface materials and properties
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Composition
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Physical properties of materials
  • Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars
Abstract
Cited By (20)
 

Abstract

A volcanic interpretation of Gusev Crater surface materials from thermophysical, spectral, and morphological evidence

Sara Martínez-Alonso

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA

Bruce M. Jakosky

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA

Michael T. Mellon

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA

Nathaniel E. Putzig

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA

Gusev Crater, the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit landing site (160 km diameter; 14.5°S, 184.5°W), has been identified in previous studies as a prime site of geological and exobiological interest on the basis of its potential for having hosted a fluviolacustrine environment; such environment may have been favorable for the development of biological activity. The origin and nature of the materials present at the surface of Gusev Crater are still being debated. In previous studies based on geomorphological and thermophysical data, surface materials in the crater have been interpreted as originating from fluviolacustrine, volcanic, or aeolian processes, or combinations thereof. We present results from the analysis of newly compiled thermophysical (Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) and Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS)), spectroscopic (TES), and visible (THEMIS and Mars Observer Camera) data for the Gusev region. These data were analyzed using a new mosaicking technique developed to match the values of contiguous scenes and to produce seamless mosaics apt for geological interpretation. Thermophysical, spectroscopic, and morphological evidence point to the presence of local outcrops of lava flows of basaltic composition, materials consistent with a regolith developed from basaltic materials, fine-grained deposits of basaltic composition strongly modified by wind erosion, and wind deposits. According to these findings, we conclude that most of the materials occupying the present surface of Gusev have characteristics consistent with those of volcanic and aeolian deposits. Fluviolacustrine deposits proposed by other authors may exist under the volcanic materials and may be exposed in impact craters.

Received 21 July 2004; accepted 11 November 2004; published 26 January 2005.

Citation: Martínez-Alonso, S., B. M. Jakosky, M. T. Mellon, and N. E. Putzig (2005), A volcanic interpretation of Gusev Crater surface materials from thermophysical, spectral, and morphological evidence, J. Geophys. Res., 110, E01003, doi:10.1029/2004JE002327.

Cited By

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