Petrographic and geochemical evidence for multiphase formation of carbonates in the Martian orthopyroxenite Allan Hills 84001

Moyano-Cambero, C. E., Trigo-Rodríguez, J. M., Benito, M. I., Alonso-Azcarate, J., Lee, M. R. , Mestres, N., Martinez-Jimenez, M., Martin-Torres, F. J. and Fraxedas, J. (2017) Petrographic and geochemical evidence for multiphase formation of carbonates in the Martian orthopyroxenite Allan Hills 84001. Meteoritics and Planetary Science, 52(6), pp. 1030-1047. (doi: 10.1111/maps.12851)

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Abstract

Martian meteorites can provide valuable information about past environmental conditions on Mars. Allan Hills 84001 formed more than 4 Gyr ago, and owing to its age and long exposure to the Martian environment, this meteorite has features that may record early processes. These features include a highly fractured texture, gases trapped during one or more impact events or during formation of the rock, and spherical Fe-Mg-Ca carbonates. Here we have concentrated on providing new insights into the context of these carbonates using a range of techniques to explore whether they record multiple precipitation and shock events. The petrographic features and compositional properties of these carbonates indicate that at least two pulses of Mg- and Fe-rich solutions saturated the rock. Those two generations of carbonates can be distinguished by a very sharp change in compositions, from being rich in Mg and poor in Fe and Mn, to being poor in Mg and rich in Fe and Mn. Between these two generations of carbonate is evidence for fracturing and local corrosion.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Meteorite, Mars.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lee, Professor Martin
Authors: Moyano-Cambero, C. E., Trigo-Rodríguez, J. M., Benito, M. I., Alonso-Azcarate, J., Lee, M. R., Mestres, N., Martinez-Jimenez, M., Martin-Torres, F. J., and Fraxedas, J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Meteoritics and Planetary Science
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1086-9379
ISSN (Online):1945-5100
Published Online:10 March 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Meteoritics and Planetary Science 52(6):1030-1047
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
602461Reconstructing thermal and fluid alteration histories of planetary materials.Martin LeeScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/K000942/1SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHICAL & EARTH SCIENCES
630461Atmosphere-crust coupling and carbon sequestration on the young MarsMartin LeeUK Space Agency (UK-SPACE)ST/L002167/1SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHICAL & EARTH SCIENCES