Mineralogy at Gusev crater from the Mössbauer spectrometer on the Spirit rover

Citation

Morris RV, Klingelhoefer G, Bernhardt B, Schröder C, Rodionov DS, de Souza Jr PA, Yen AS, Gellert R, Evlanov EN, Foh J, Kankeleit E, Gutlich P, Ming DW, Renz F, Wdowiak TJ, Squyres SW & Arvidson RE (2004) Mineralogy at Gusev crater from the Mössbauer spectrometer on the Spirit rover. Science, 305 (5685), pp. 833-836. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1100020

Abstract
Mössbauer spectra measured on Mars by the Spirit rover during the primary mission are characterized by two ferrous iron doublets (olivine and probably pyroxene) and a ferric iron doublet (tentatively associated to nanophase ferric iron oxide). Two sextets resulting from nonstoichiometric magnetite are also present, except for a coating on the rockMazatzal, where a hematite-like sextet is present. Greater proportions of ferric-bearing phases are associated with undisturbed soils and rock surfaces as compared to fresh rocksurfaces exposed by grinding. The ubiquitous presence of olivine in soil suggests that physical rather than chemical weathering processes currently dominate at Gusev crater.

Journal
Science: Volume 305, Issue 5685

People

Dr Christian Schroeder

Senior Lecturer, Biological and Environmental Sciences