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AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Keywords

  • Mars
  • stratigraphy
  • phyllosilicates

Index Terms

  • Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Composition
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Remote sensing
  • Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface materials and properties

Abstract

Compositional stratigraphy of clay-bearing layered deposits at Mawrth Vallis, Mars

J. J. Wray

Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

B. L. Ehlmann

Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

S. W. Squyres

Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

J. F. Mustard

Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

R. L. Kirk

Astrogeology Program, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

Phyllosilicates have previously been detected in layered outcrops in and around the Martian outflow channel Mawrth Vallis. CRISM spectra of these outcrops exhibit features diagnostic of kaolinite, montmorillonite, and Fe/Mg-rich smectites, along with crystalline ferric oxide minerals such as hematite. These minerals occur in distinct stratigraphic horizons, implying changing environmental conditions and/or a variable sediment source for these layered deposits. Similar stratigraphic sequences occur on both sides of the outflow channel and on its floor, with Al-clay-bearing layers typically overlying Fe/Mg-clay-bearing layers. This pattern, combined with layer geometries measured using topographic data from HiRISE and HRSC, suggests that the Al-clay-bearing horizons at Mawrth Vallis postdate the outflow channel and may represent a later sedimentary or altered pyroclastic deposit that drapes the topography.

Received 22 April 2008; accepted 19 May 2008; published 21 June 2008.

Citation: Wray, J. J., B. L. Ehlmann, S. W. Squyres, J. F. Mustard, and R. L. Kirk (2008), Compositional stratigraphy of clay-bearing layered deposits at Mawrth Vallis, Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L12202, doi:10.1029/2008GL034385.

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