Jarosite and hematite at Meridiani Planum from Opportunity's Mossbauer Spectrometer

Science. 2004 Dec 3;306(5702):1740-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1104653.

Abstract

Mossbauer spectra measured by the Opportunity rover revealed four mineralogical components in Meridiani Planum at Eagle crater: jarosite- and hematite-rich outcrop, hematite-rich soil, olivine-bearing basaltic soil, and a pyroxene-bearing basaltic rock (Bounce rock). Spherules, interpreted to be concretions, are hematite-rich and dispersed throughout the outcrop. Hematitic soils both within and outside Eagle crater are dominated by spherules and their fragments. Olivine-bearing basaltic soil is present throughout the region. Bounce rock is probably an impact erratic. Because jarosite is a hydroxide sulfate mineral, its presence at Meridiani Planum is mineralogical evidence for aqueous processes on Mars, probably under acid-sulfate conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Ferric Compounds*
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Iron Compounds
  • Magnesium Compounds
  • Mars*
  • Minerals
  • Silicates
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectroscopy, Mossbauer
  • Sulfates*
  • Water

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Iron Compounds
  • Magnesium Compounds
  • Minerals
  • Silicates
  • Sulfates
  • basalt
  • jarosite
  • Water
  • pyroxene
  • ferric oxide
  • olivine