Multiple Aqueous Events in the Nakhlite Meteorite North West Africa (NWA)

Breton, H., Lee, M.R. and Mark, D.F. (2015) Multiple Aqueous Events in the Nakhlite Meteorite North West Africa (NWA). In: 46th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX, USA, 16-20 Mar 2015,

Abstract

Geological records suggest the past existence of abundant water flowing freely on Mars’ surface. Most of this aqueous activity appears to have been restricted to early Mars and although aqueous alteration by thin films of water or acid fog may still occur today, evidence suggests that liquid water has not existed at the surface for the last 3 Ga [1]. The Nakhlites, which are 1.3 Ga old Martian meteorites, contain mineralogical proof for the existence of liquid water within the shallow Martian crust duting the Amazonian [2]. To understand the nature of the water-rich fluids and conditions responsible for aqueous alteration on Mars, thorough characterization of chemical and mineralogical changes resulting from aqueous processes is essential.<p></p> The Nakhlite meteorite North West Africa (NWA) 817 was discovered in the Saharan desert (Morocco) as a single stone of 104g by meteorite hunters in 2000 [4]. In common with most other Nakhlite meteorites, NWA 817 presents mineralogical evidence of interactions with low temperature water-bearing fluids on Mars [5]. Here, we present a petrological and chemical reinvestigation of the alteration products of NWA 817. Our study reveals evidence for multiple fluid infiltrations in Mars subsurface during the Amazonian.<p></p>

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mark, Professor Darren and Lee, Professor Martin
• Authors: Breton, H., Lee, M.R., and Mark, D.F.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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