Engineering topics

Clark, B. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Clark, B. C..

At least 55 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS2008

The Hydrothermal System at Home Plate in Gusev Crater, Mars: Formation of High Silica Material by Acid-Sulfate Alteration of Basalt

The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) instrument on the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit measured three targets on or adjacent to Home Plate in Gusev Crater that have unusually high SiO2 concentrations (68% to 91%), unusually low FeO concentrations (1% to 7%, with total Fe as FeO), and unusually high TiO2/FeO ratios (0.2 to 1.2 by weight) [1]. Two targets (Kenosha Comets and Lefty Ganote) are located on high albedo soil (Gertrude Weise) that was exposed by the rover wheels, and one target is a float rock called Fuzzy Smith. Kenosha Comets has the highest SiO2 concentration, lowest FeO concentration, and highest TiO2/FeO ratio. Mineralogical evidence from the MER Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) suggests that the SiO2 is present as amorphous (noncrystalline) SiO2 at Gertrude Weise and nearby targets [2,3]. Mini-TES data were not acquired for Fuzzy Smith. Home Plate is considered to have an explosive volcanic origin, resulting when basaltic magma came into contact with ground water or ice [4]. Within ~50 m to 1 km of Home Plate are sulfate rich soil deposits (Paso Robles class soils with 22-35% SO3) which are considered to be probable fumarolic and/or hydrothermal deposits associated with the volcanism [5]. We develop the model here, suggested by [5], that the high-silica materials are another manifestation of acid-sulfate processes associated with fumarolic and hydrothermal activity at Home Plate. This is done by analogy with basaltic materials altered by acid sulfate processes on the Island of Hawaii.

Morris, R. V.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Geochemical Properties of Rocks and Soils in Gusev Crater, Mars: APXS Results from Cumberland Ridge to Home Plate

The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit landed in Gusev crater on Jan. 4, 2004. Spirit has traversed the Gusev crater plains, ascended to the top of Husband Hill, and entered into the Inner Basin of the Columbia Hills. The Athena science payload onboard Spirit has recorded numerous measurements on the chemistry and mineralogy of materials encountered during nearly 2 Mars years of operation within the crater. Rocks and soils have been grouped into classes based upon their unique differences in mineralogy and chemistry [1-3]. Some of the most significant chemical discoveries include the composition of Adirondack class flood basalts [4-6]; high sulfur in Clovis and Peace Class rocks [7,2]; high P and Ti in Wishstone Class rocks [7,2]; composition of alkalic basalts [2,6]; very high S in Paso Robles class soils [7,2], and the possible occurrence of a smectite-like chemical composition in Independence class rocks [8]. Water has played a significant role in the alteration of rocks and soils in the Columbia Hills. The occurrence of goethite and ferric sulfate alone suggests that liquid water was involved in their formation [3]. The pervasively altered materials in Husband Hill outcrops and rocks may have formed by the aqueous alteration of basaltic rocks, volcaniclastic materials, and/or impact ejecta by solutions that were rich in acid-volatile elements [2]. The objective of this paper is to provide an update on the health of the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and to expand the geochemical dataset from sol 470 to sol 1368. Specific objectives are to (1) update the rock and soil classifications, (2) characterize elemental relationships among the major rock and soil classes, and (3) evaluate the involvement of water in the formation or alteration of the materials in these classes.

Ming, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS2008

A Simplified View of the Geochemical Diversity Surrounding Home Plate

The Home Plate feature (Fig. 1) within the Inner Basin of the Columbia Hills consists of layered rocks and has been interpreted as an accumulation of pyroclastic deposits [1]. Samples analyzed by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer within ~25 meters of the eastern margin of Home Plate exhibit a strikingly diverse range of geochemical compositions, including the highest levels of Mg, Si, K, Zn, and Ni measured at Gusev Crater. This wide range of chemical variability across the 40+ samples analyzed on and near Home Plate can be represented by contributions from only six primary components. This reconstruction is not reflected in the M ssbauer mineralogy suggesting that significant alteration of the contributing components has occurred.

Yen, A. S.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Compositions of Spherules and Rock Surfaces at Meridiani

The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometers (APXS) on the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) have proven extremely valuable for analyzing rocks and soils on the surface of Mars. The precision of their compositional measurements has been shown to be phenomenal through analyses of the compositionally very uniform Meridiani soils. Through combined use of the rock abrasion tool (RAT) and the analytical instruments on the in-situ deployment device (IDD), analyses of the interiors of fine-grained and texturally uniform rocks with surfaces ground flat have been made under conditions that are nearly ideal for this mode of analysis. The APXS has also been used frequently to analyze materials whose characteristics, surface morphologies, and sample-detector geometries are less than ideal, but the analyses of which are nonetheless very useful for understanding the makeup of the target materials. Such targets include undisturbed rocks with irregular and sometimes coated surfaces and mixed targets such as soils that include fine-grained components as well as coarse grains and pieces of rocks. Such target materials include the well known hematite-rich concretions, referred to as blueberries because of their multispectral color, size, and mode of occurrence. In addition to non-ideal target geometry, such mixed materials also present a heterogeneous target in terms of density. These irregularities violate the assumptions commonly associated with analyses done in the laboratory to achieve the highest possible accuracy. Here we acknowledge the irregularities and we examine the inferences drawn from specific chemical trends obtained on imperfect targets in light of one of the potential pitfalls of natural materials on the surface of Mars, namely thin dust coatings.

Mittlefehldt, David W.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Composition and Formation of the "Paso Robles" Class Soils at Gusev Crater

Light-toned, subsurface soil deposits have been excavated by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit in six distinct locations along its traverse across the Columbia Hills of Gusev Crater. Samples at two of these sites have been analyzed in detail by the M ssbauer (MB) and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometers (APXS), providing information on iron mineralogy and elemental chemistry, respectively. These soils are referred to as "Paso Robles" class deposits.

Yen, A. S.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Crystal Water on Mars: Insights from the Mars Exploration Rovers

The purpose of this paper is to constrain the total water contents from crystal H2O and OH in several materials analyzed by the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER). Crystal H2O is part of the unit cell and cannot be removed without changing the structure. Minerals that contain only OH in their structures are anhydrous minerals containing hydroxyls, although they are formed as a product of aqueous activity and will decompose with evolution of H2O when heated. The crystal water and OH contents of a bulk material at the MER landing sites can be estimated from mineralogical composition, which is determined by a combination of Fe-mineralogy obtained by the Mossbauer Spectrometer and mineral abundances based upon the chemical composition determined by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer. Jarosite, along with Ca- and Mg-sulfates, have been suggested as the sulfur-bearing phases in Meridiani Planum outcrop. Models of various hydration states of Fe-, Ca-, and Mg-sulfates and other possible secondary phases suggest that 6 to 22 wt.% of the outcrop may occur as crystal H2O and/or OH (Clark et al., 2005). This estimate of water is consistent with measurements from the Odyssey orbiter, where 7 % H2O-equivalent H was measured down to a depth of approximately 1 m for the region (Feldman et al., 2004).

Ming, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Chemistry of Meridiani Outcrops

The chemistry and mineralogy of the sulfate-rich sandstone outcrops at Meridiani Planum, Mars, have been inferred from data obtained by the Opportunity rover of the MER mission and reported in recent publications [1-6]. Here, we provide an update on more recent samples and results derived from this extensive data set.

Clark, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Evidence for Halite at Meridiani Planum

The outcrop rocks investigated by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Opportunity at Meridiani Planum consist of altered basaltic fines emplaced through aeolian and aqueous processes. Diagenesis through episodes of groundwater influx is likely responsible for lithification of the sediments, formation and subsequent dissolution of embedded crystals, and development of hematitic spherules with occasional cemented overgrowths [1]. The action of liquid water in the development of these rocks prompts the search for pure evaporative salts such as chlorides. Extensive deposits of this nature have not yet been discovered and may be a result of erosion and removal from stratigraphic layers above those sampled by Opportunity, or burial beneath accessible depths [2]. Nonetheless, the presence of small amounts of halite (NaCl) associated with coatings and rinds is indicated by the available data.

Yen, Albert S.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Chemical Diversity along the Traverse of the Rover Spirit at Gusev Crater

The Alpha-Particle-X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) is part of the in situ payload of the Mars Exploration Rovers. It has determined the chemical composition of soils and rocks along the nearly 6 km long traverse of the rover Spirit. The measuring method a combination of PIXE and XRF using Cm244 sources - allowed the unambiguous identification of elemental compositions with high precision. Besides sample triage and quantification of saltforming elements as indicators for aqueous alteration, the APXS also delivered important constraints to mineralogy intruments (i.e., Mossbauer (MB), MiniTES, Pancam) on minerals and rock types. The mineralogy instruments on the other hand provided constraints on minerals used for APXS normative calculations and, e.g. allowed the attribution of S to sulfate, instead of sulfide or elemental sulfur. This abstract gives an updated overview of the data obtained up to our current rover position on sol 720 at the eastern base of the Columbia Hills. We will emphasize elemental correlations that imply the presence of certain minerals that can not be identified by the MER mineralogy instruments.

Gellert, R.↗

NASA NTRS2006

PYTi-NiCr Signatures in the Columbia Hills are Present in Certain Martian Meteorites

Uniquely high levels of phosphorus and titanium were observed in several samples [1-3] by the APXS x-ray fluorescence measurements as the MER Spirit rover climbed Husband Hill (Columbia Hills, Gusev crater, Mars). A careful study of many such samples and their geochemical variability has revealed additional elements in this pattern, and that the derived multi-element signature is also unambiguously manifested in several martian meteorites.

Clark, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Elemental Compositions of Comet 81P/Wild 2 Samples Collected by Stardust

We measured the chemical compositions of material from 23 particles in aerogel and residue in 7 craters in aluminum foil, collected during passage of the Stardust spacecraft through the coma of Comet 81P/Wild 2. These particles are chemically heterogeneous at the largest size-scale analyzed, ~180 nanograms. The mean chemical composition of this Wild 2 material agrees with the CI meteorite composition for the refractory elements Mg, Si, Cr, Fe, and Ni to 35%, and for Ca and Mn to 50%. The data suggest the moderately volatile elements Cu, Zn, and Ga may be enriched in this Wild 2 material.

Flynn, G. J.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Characterization and Petrologic Interpretation of Olivine-Rich Basalts at Gusev Crater, Mars

Rocks on the floor of Gusev crater are basalts of uniform composition and mineralogy. Olivine, the only mineral to have been identified or inferred from data by all instruments on the Spirit rover, is especially abundant in these rocks. These picritic basalts are similar in many respects to certain Martian meteorites (olivine-phyric shergottites). The olivine megacrysts in both have intermediate compositions, with modal abundances ranging up to 20-30%. Associated minerals in both include low-calcium and high-calcium pyroxenes, plagioclase of intermediate composition, iron-titanium-chromium oxides, and phosphate. These rocks also share minor element trends, reflected in their nickel-magnesium and chromium-magnesium ratios. Gusev basalts and shergottites appear to have formed from primitive magmas produced by melting an undepleted mantle at depth and erupted without significant fractionation. However, apparent differences between Gusev rocks and shergottites in their ages, plagioclase abundances, and volatile contents preclude direct correlation. Orbital determinations of global olivine distribution and compositions by thermal emission spectroscopy suggest that olivine-rich rocks may be widespread. Because weathering under acidic conditions preferentially attacks olivine and disguises such rocks beneath alteration rinds, picritic basalts formed from primitive magmas may even be a common component of the Martian crust formed during ancient and recent times.

McSween, H. Y.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Hematite on the Surface of Meridiani Planum and Gusev Crater

Meridiani Planum was selected as a landing side for the Rover Opportunity because of an indication of hematite observed from orbit. Meridiani Planum consists of sorted sands with aeolian features like ripples and desert pavements. In impact craters, a high-albedo layered bedrock is exposed. The soil is a mixture of: (i) fine sand material in the size ranges of 50 to 150 m, (ii) sub-angular, irregular particles of 0.5 to 5 mm size with submillimeter circular voids that are most likely vesicular basaltic fragments, and (iii) spherules with a restricted grain size between 4 and 6 mm. The Mini-TES on board the rover Opportunity identified a hematite signature at distance resulting from mm-sized spherules as determined by the Moussbauer Spectrometer. Small quantities of similar spherules (2 vol. %) were found in rock exposures in Eagle crater and were interpreted as concretions that formed by precipitation from aqueous fluids inside sedimentary rocks. At Gusev crater no hematite was observed until sol 90 except for layering on a rock. Our investigations of hematite bearing materials, measured by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS), Moussbauer Spectrometer (MB), and Microscopic Imager (MI), provide a more integrated view of different occurrences of hematite on the martian surface. Chemistry of soils and rocks: Chemical compositions

Brueckner, J.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Results and Implications of Mineralogical Models for Chemical Sediments at Meridiani Planum

The Mars Exploration Rover (MER) "Opportunity" has explored chemically-enriched sedimentary outcrops at Meridiani Planum, Mars. In its first year, three different crater sites - Eagle, Fram and Endurance - have been explored. Nineteen high-interest outcrop rocks were investigated by first grinding a hole to reach the interior (using the Rock Abrasion Tool, RAT), and then conducting APXS (alpha particle x-ray spectrometry) analysis, MB (M ssbauer) analysis, and close up imaging (MI, microscopic imager). Sixteen elements and four Fe-bearing minerals were assayed to good accuracy in each sample, producing 380 compositional data points. The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini- TES) obtained spectra on outcrop materials which provide direct indication of several mineral classes. Preliminary reports on Eagle crater and three RAT samples have been published. Chemical trends and a derived mineralogical model for all RAT d outcrop samples to date has been developed.

Clark, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Astrobiology and the Basaltic Plains in Gusev Crater

This report assesses the availability of nutrient elements, energy and liquid water on the plains surrounding Columbia Memorial Station by evaluating observations by the MER rover Spirit in the context of previous Mars missions, Earth-based studies of martian meteorites and studies of microbial communities on Earth that represent potential analogs of martian biota.

DesMarais, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Results of the Alpha-Particle-X-Ray Spectrometer on Board of the Mars Exploration Rovers

The Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity landed at Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum. The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) is part of the instrument suite on both rovers. It is equipped with six 244Cm sources which provide x-ray excitation with alpha-particles (PIXE) and x-ray radiation (XRF). This combination allows x-ray spectroscopy of elements from Na to Br in the energy range of 0.9 to 16 keV. X-ray detectors with a high energy resolution of 160 eV at Fe K allow us to separate even closely spaced energy peaks, such as Na, Mg, Al and Si. The APXS is attached to the rover s arm and provides in-situ measurements of the chemical composition of soils, surfaces of rocks and outcrops and their abraded surfaces. This abstract gives an overview of APXS results obtained during the first year of operation on both landing sites.

Geller, R.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Abundance and Speciation of Water and Sulfate at Gusev Crater and Meridiani Planum

A major science goal of the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission is to search for evidence of water activity, and direct mineralogical evidence for aqueous activity has been reported for Meridiani Planum in the form of the iron sulfate hydroxide mineral jarosite and at Gusev crater in the form of goethite. The Spirit and Opportunity rovers have each collected 110+ Moessbauer (MB) and 75+ Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) spectra from Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum [1 - 4]. In this abstract, we use mineralogical and elemental data, primarily from the Moessbauer and APXS instruments, to infer the speciation and estimate the abundance of sulfate and water (as either the H2O molecule or the hydroxyl anion) at Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum. Throughout the abstract, we adopt a format for mineral formulas that shows water explicitly rather than the usual practice of structure-based formulas (e.g., for goethite we write Fe2O3xH2O instead of FeOOH).

Ming, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Subsurface Weathering of Rocks and Soils at Gusev Crater

Data collected by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit at Gusev Crater suggest that enhanced weathering of rocks and soils occurs beneath the immediate surface. We suggest that this alteration occurs over geological timescales under present climatic conditions and is a result of diurnal condensation of thin-films of water on subsurface materials. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Yen, A. S.↗