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Volcanism or aqueous alteration on Mars?

Author

Listed:
  • Victoria E. Hamilton

    (Arizona State University
    University of Hawaii)

  • Philip R. Christensen

    (Arizona State University)

  • Joshua L. Bandfield

    (Arizona State University)

Abstract

The Mars Global Surveyor's Thermal Emission Spectrometer has identified two global spectral surface types in martian dark regions, which were initially interpreted as being of basaltic (type 1) and intermediate (type 2, basaltic andesite to andesite) volcanic composition1. Wyatt and McSween2 suggest that northern-hemisphere occurrences of the type-2 spectrum are instead representative of weathered basalt, on the basis of ambiguity in the spectral interpretation and overlap between the distribution of this material and the outline of a putative ancient ocean. Although the spectral data may be open to interpretation within the limits of current understanding, creating weathered basalt and explaining its distribution is problematic. These competing hypotheses have significantly different implications for the igneous and aqueous history of Mars, and it is important to continue debating the merits of each.

Suggested Citation

  • Victoria E. Hamilton & Philip R. Christensen & Joshua L. Bandfield, 2003. "Volcanism or aqueous alteration on Mars?," Nature, Nature, vol. 421(6924), pages 711-712, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:421:y:2003:i:6924:d:10.1038_421711b
    DOI: 10.1038/421711b
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