Chemical composition of rocks and soils at the Pathfinder site

Authors
Wanke, H Bruckner, J Dreibus, G Rieder, R Ryabchikov, I
Citation
H. Wanke et al., Chemical composition of rocks and soils at the Pathfinder site, SPACE SCI R, 96(1-4), 2001, pp. 317-330
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Space Sciences
Journal title
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
ISSN journal
00386308 → ACNP
Volume
96
Issue
1-4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
317 - 330
Database
ISI
SICI code
0038-6308(200104)96:1-4<317:CCORAS>2.0.ZU;2-U
Abstract
As Viking Landers did not measure rock compositions, Pathfinder (PF) data a re the first in this respect. This review gives no proof yet whether the PF rocks are igneous or sedimentary, but for petrogenetic reasons they could be igneous. We suggest a model in which Mars is covered by about 50% basalt ic and 50% andesitic igneous rocks. The soils are a mixture of the two with addition of Mg-sulfate and -chloride plus iron compounds possibly derived from the hematite deposits.