loading page

Elemental composition and chemical evolution of geologic materials in Gale crater, Mars: APXS results from Bradbury Landing to the Vera Rubin Ridge
  • +8
  • Jeff A Berger,
  • Ralf Gellert,
  • Nicholas Boyd,
  • Penelope King,
  • Michael A. McCraig,
  • Catherine D O'Connell-Cooper,
  • Mariek E. Schmidt,
  • John G. Spray,
  • Lucy M Thompson,
  • Scott J VanBommel,
  • Albert S. Yen
Jeff A Berger
University of Guelph

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Ralf Gellert
University of Guelph
Author Profile
Nicholas Boyd
University of Guelph
Author Profile
Penelope King
Australian National University
Author Profile
Michael A. McCraig
University of Guelph
Author Profile
Catherine D O'Connell-Cooper
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile
Mariek E. Schmidt
Brock University
Author Profile
John G. Spray
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile
Lucy M Thompson
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile
Scott J VanBommel
Washington University in St. Louis
Author Profile
Albert S. Yen
Jet Propulsion Lab (NASA)
Author Profile

Abstract

The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the rover, , has analyzed the composition of geologic materials along a >20-kilometer traverse in Gale crater on Mars. The APXS dataset after 6.5 Earth years (2301 sols) includes 712 analyses of soil, sand, float, bedrock, and drilled/scooped fines. We present the APXS results over this duration and provide stratigraphic context for each target. We identify the best APXS analysis of each of the 22 drilled and scooped samples that were delivered to the instruments CheMin (X-ray diffractometer) and SAM (mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph) during this period. The APXS results demonstrate that the basaltic and alkalic units in the Bradbury group (sols 0-750) show minimal alteration indicating an arid climate. In contrast, the Murray formation of the Mount Sharp group (sols ~750-2301) has compositions indicating pervasive alteration. Diagenetic features are common and show fluid interaction with the sediment after (and possibly during) lithification, which is consistent with burial and diagenesis. A lithified sandstone unit, the Stimson formation, overlies part of the Murray formation. This has a composition similar to the basaltic sand and soil, suggesting a shared source. Cross-cutting, fracture-associated haloes are evidence of late-stage fluid alteration after lithification of the sediment. The APXS dataset, evaluated in concert with the full science payload of , indicates that Gale crater was habitable, and that liquid water was stable for extended periods.
Dec 2020Published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets volume 125 issue 12. 10.1029/2020JE006536