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Geochemical diversity in first rocks examined by the Curiosity Rover in Gale Crater: Evidence for and significance of an alkali and volatile-rich igneous source

Schmidt, M E; Campbell, J.L.; Gellert, R; Perrett, Glynis; Treiman, A H; Blaney, D.L.; Ollila, Anne M.; Calef, F.J; Edgar, L.; Elliott, B.E.; Grotzinger, J; King, Penelope

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The first four rocks examined by the Mars Science Laboratory Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer indicate that Curiosity landed in a lithologically diverse region of Mars. These rocks, collectively dubbed the Bradbury assemblage, were studied along an eastward traverse (sols 46-102). Compositions range from Na- and Al-rich mugearite Jake-Matijevic to Fe-, Mg-, and Zn-rich alkali-rich basalt/hawaiite Bathurst-Inlet and span nearly the entire range in FeO* and MnO of the data sets from previous...[Show more]

dc.contributor.authorSchmidt, M E
dc.contributor.authorCampbell, J.L.
dc.contributor.authorGellert, R
dc.contributor.authorPerrett, Glynis
dc.contributor.authorTreiman, A H
dc.contributor.authorBlaney, D.L.
dc.contributor.authorOllila, Anne M.
dc.contributor.authorCalef, F.J
dc.contributor.authorEdgar, L.
dc.contributor.authorElliott, B.E.
dc.contributor.authorGrotzinger, J
dc.contributor.authorKing, Penelope
dc.date.accessioned2015-12-08T22:36:26Z
dc.identifier.issn2169-9100
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1885/35252
dc.description.abstractThe first four rocks examined by the Mars Science Laboratory Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer indicate that Curiosity landed in a lithologically diverse region of Mars. These rocks, collectively dubbed the Bradbury assemblage, were studied along an eastward traverse (sols 46-102). Compositions range from Na- and Al-rich mugearite Jake-Matijevic to Fe-, Mg-, and Zn-rich alkali-rich basalt/hawaiite Bathurst-Inlet and span nearly the entire range in FeO* and MnO of the data sets from previous Martian missions and Martian meteorites. The Bradbury assemblage is also enriched in K and moderately volatile metals (Zn and Ge). These elements do not correlate with Cl or S, suggesting that they are associated with the rocks themselves and not with salt-rich coatings. Three out of the four Bradbury rocks plot along a line in elemental variation diagrams, suggesting mixing between Al-rich and Fe-rich components. ChemCam analyses give insight to their degree of chemical heterogeneity and grain size. Variations in trace elements detected by ChemCam suggest chemical weathering (Li) and concentration in mineral phases (e.g., Rb and Sr in feldspars). We interpret the Bradbury assemblage to be broadly volcanic and/or volcaniclastic, derived either from near the Gale crater rim and transported by the Peace Vallis fan network, or from a local volcanic source within Gale Crater. High Fe and Fe/Mn in Et-Then likely reflect secondary precipitation of Fe3+ oxides as a cement or rind. The K-rich signature of the Bradbury assemblage, if igneous in origin, may have formed by small degrees of partial melting of metasomatized mantle. Key Points Rocks at the MSL landing site are diverse and alkali- and volatile metal-rich. Three of the first four rocks studied by APXS form a mixing line in element plots. The alkali-rich nature reflects an igneous source affected by metasomatism.
dc.publisherAmerican Geophysical Union
dc.sourceJournal of Geophysical Research: Planets
dc.titleGeochemical diversity in first rocks examined by the Curiosity Rover in Gale Crater: Evidence for and significance of an alkali and volatile-rich igneous source
dc.typeJournal article
local.description.notesImported from ARIES
local.identifier.citationvolume119
dc.date.issued2014
local.identifier.absfor040302 - Extraterrestrial Geology
local.identifier.ariespublicationu4539375xPUB122
local.type.statusPublished Version
local.contributor.affiliationSchmidt, M E, Brock University
local.contributor.affiliationCampbell, J.L., University of Guelph
local.contributor.affiliationGellert, R, University of Guelph
local.contributor.affiliationPerrett, Glynis, University of Guelph
local.contributor.affiliationTreiman, A H, Lunar and Planetary Institute
local.contributor.affiliationBlaney, D.L., Jet Propulsion Laboratory
local.contributor.affiliationOllila, Anne M., Institute of Meteoritics
local.contributor.affiliationCalef, F.J, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
local.contributor.affiliationEdgar, L., Arizona State University
local.contributor.affiliationElliott, B.E., University of New Brunswick
local.contributor.affiliationGrotzinger, J, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
local.contributor.affiliationKing, Penelope, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, ANU
local.description.embargo2037-12-31
local.bibliographicCitation.startpage64
local.bibliographicCitation.lastpage81
local.identifier.doi10.1002/2013JE004481
local.identifier.absseo970104 - Expanding Knowledge in the Earth Sciences
dc.date.updated2015-12-08T09:50:19Z
local.identifier.scopusID2-s2.0-84896868184
local.identifier.thomsonID000333028400005
CollectionsANU Research Publications

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