Cornell University
Library
Cornell UniversityLibrary

eCommons

Help
Log In(current)
  1. Home
  2. Cornell University Graduate School
  3. Cornell Theses and Dissertations
  4. High-Resolution Studies Of Aqueous Environments On Ancient Mars

High-Resolution Studies Of Aqueous Environments On Ancient Mars

File(s)
jjw55.pdf (12.94 MB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/33542
Collections
Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Wray, James
Abstract

Hydrated minerals on the surface of Mars record past aqueous conditions and permit assessment of whether, where, and when the planet may have been habitable. Both phyllosilicates (e.g., clays) and hydrated sulfate minerals were recently identified via orbital near-infrared spectroscopy. This work uses the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) and High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) to characterize these and other aqueous mineral deposits, determining their composition, stratigraphy, and morphology. These properties and observations from other Mars-orbiting instruments allow formulation and testing of hypotheses on how Martian environments varied across space and time. The Mawrth Vallis region hosts the largest areal exposure of phyllosilicates, and CRISM spectral maps show these are compositionally stratified, with Al-clays overlying Fe/Mg-clays throughout the region. Geometric measurements reveal that the Al-clay horizon traces the Mawrth Vallis topography, implying that the Al-clays postdate this channel and may have formed via surface weathering. CRISM data further reveal the Ca-sulfate bassanite in outcrops underlying Fe/Mg-clays. Each hydrated unit exhibits ubiquitous meter-scale polygons or other fracture patterns, which correlate with composition. A CRISM-based survey of Mars' ancient southern highlands uncovers numerous aqueous deposits undetected at lower resolution. Fe/Mg-phyllosilicates are widespread, in some cases exposed by craters and elsewhere spanning the intercrater plains. Sulfates occur at higher latitudes than those observed previously, and are associated with phyllosilicates in some locations. Elsewhere, phyllosilicates co-occur with other hydrated silicates or putative chlorides. Fe/Ca-carbonate is also identified for the first time. These diverse mineral assemblages likely reflect diverse aqueous conditions. Columbus crater and others in Terra Sirenum contain layered deposits with diverse clays and sulfates. Digital elevation models, crater counts, thermal emission spectra, and hydrologic modeling results are added to CRISM and HiRISE image analyses to test several different hypotheses for these deposits, including their possible formation in a deep lake within Columbus crater during the Late Noachian Epoch. CRISM analysis of Endeavour crater in Meridiani Planum reveals Fe/Mgsmectite clays in its rim and hydrated sulfates on the adjacent plains. Opportunity is currently driving toward these locations, which may provide the first ground truth of hydrated minerals detected from Mars orbit.

Date Issued
2011-01-31
Keywords
Mars
•
Remote sensing
•
Hydrated minerals
Committee Chair
Squyres, Steven Weldon
Committee Member
Lloyd, James
Isacks, Bryan Leonard
Bell, James F
Kay, Robert Woodbury
Degree Discipline
Astronomy
Degree Name
Ph. D., Astronomy
Degree Level
Doctor of Philosophy
Type
dissertation or thesis

Site Statistics | Help

About eCommons | Policies | Terms of use | Contact Us

copyright © 2002-2026 Cornell University Library | Privacy | Web Accessibility Assistance