Global geologic context for rock types and surface alteration on Mars

Research Article| August 01, 2004 Global geologic context for rock types and surface alteration on Mars Michael B. Wyatt; Michael B. Wyatt 1Department of Geological Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85251, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Harry Y. McSween, Jr.; Harry Y. McSween, Jr. 2Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Kenneth L. Tanaka; Kenneth L. Tanaka 3U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar James W. Head, III James W. Head, III 4Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2004) 32 (8): 645–648. https://doi.org/10.1130/G20527.1 Article history received: 02 Feb 2004 rev-recd: 09 Apr 2004 accepted: 16 Apr 2004 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Michael B. Wyatt, Harry Y. McSween, Kenneth L. Tanaka, James W. Head; Global geologic context for rock types and surface alteration on Mars. Geology 2004;; 32 (8): 645–648. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G20527.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Petrologic interpretations of thermal emission spectra from Mars orbiting spacecraft indicate the widespread occurrence of surfaces having basaltic and either andesitic or partly altered basalt compositions. Global concentration of ice-rich mantle deposits and near-surface ice at middle to high latitudes and their spatial correlation with andesitic or partly altered basalt materials favor the alteration hypothesis. We propose the formation of these units through limited chemical weathering from basalt interactions with icy mantles deposited during periods of high obliquity. Alteration of sediments in the northern lowlands depocenter may have been enhanced by temporary standing bodies of water and ice. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.