The course covers the mineralogy of Mars based on the analysis of rocks, including martian meteorites and samples analyzed by rovers. The learning outcomes include understanding the unique composition of martian meteorites, interpreting the elemental and isotopic fingerprints of Mars, and identifying the geological history of the planet. The course teaches skills such as analyzing shock-implanted gases, interpreting oxygen isotopic fingerprints, and assessing mantle source compositions. The teaching method involves a talk by an expert in the field, supplemented with visuals and data analysis. The intended audience includes geologists, planetary scientists, researchers, and individuals interested in the mineralogy of Mars.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
The mineralogy of Mars, from 125 rocks in hand
Martion meteorites contain shock-implanted gas that matches the unique Mars atmospheric composition
Unique, ancient martian meteorites
Meteorite element ratios constrain the bulk planet composition and volatile inventory
Meteorites indicate Mars has a unique and diagnostic oxygen isotopic fingerprint
Martian meteorites formed by melting of ancient mantle sources with distinct radiogenic isotopes, trace elements, and redox states
Trace elements are both depleted and enriched
Igneous crystallization oges vary, but are mostly young
Cosmic-ray exposure ages are interpreted to date times of ejection from Mars
How representative of Mars are martian meteorites?
Martian meteorites and rocks analyzed by rovers
Trends in minor elements indicate different mantle source compositions for meteorites and rover analyzed rocks
Absence of any calc-alkaline rocks indicates no crustal recycling by plate tectonics
No detectable granitic rocks, just feldspathic rocks
No Earth-like continental crust on Mars
Despite much odo about purported evidence for life in ALH 84001, its organic matter, minerals, and intriguing
Conclusions Mars is a basalt covered world with sediments derived from cumulates that reflect diverse ancient mantle sources
Taught by
Mineralogical Society of America
