T264 Latest Science Results and Updates in Planetary Science Research, Programs and Flight Projects

Wednesday, 18 October 2023
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
323

DEPOSITIONAL, DIAGENETIC, AND HABITABILITY CLUES FROM PETROGRAPHY OF SULFATE-RICH CLASTIC ROCKS AT JEZERO CRATER, MARS

Paper number: T264-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:20 PM – 2:35 PM

Authors

Abstract

The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has analyzed and sampled siltstones and fine sandstones that contain multiple phases of sulfate minerals. The Hogwallow Flats Member and Yori Pass outcrop, both part of the middle Shenandoah formation of the Jezero crater western fan front, are clastic rocks enriched in several types of sulfate minerals, including anhydrite, hydrated Ca-sulfate, Mg-Fe sulfates, and ferric sulfates. It is likely that some silt and sand grains are reworked sulfate crystals, which may have been eroded, transported, and deposited by physical subaqueous and/or subaerial processes. Images of abraded patches Berry Hollow (of Hogwallow Flats member) and Uganik Island (of Yori Pass outcrop) show diagenetic features including intergranular, overgrowth, vein, and vug cements. Phyllosilicates and Fe-oxide concretions, as well as possible chloride and carbonate, have also been detected in these rocks. Fluorescence signals associated with the sulfates are suggestive of organic matter or trace amounts of cerium in the sulfate minerals. These rocks had multiple saline fluid flow events. We propose that samples from Hogwallow Flats and Yori Pass, if brought to Earth in the future by the Mars Return Sample mission, should be further investigated with petrography, as well as chemical and biological methods, to refine understanding of potential habitability and to search for biosignatures.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 55, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2023AM-392764

© Copyright 2023 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.