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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:04
Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
Elemental composition of the Martian crust
Harry Y McSween1, G Jeffrey Taylor, Michael B Wyatt
1Planetary Geosciences Institute and Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-1410, USA. mcsween@utk.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 9, 2009
Summary
Mars
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geochemistry
- Igneous Petrology
Background:
- The Martian crust's composition is key to understanding its geological evolution and differentiation.
- Global data from spacecraft and meteorites offer insights into the igneous crust's chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Mars' geologic history through its igneous crustal composition.
- To evaluate the representativeness of Martian meteorites for understanding the planet's mantle.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global spacecraft data.
- Examination of Martian meteorite compositions.
- Assessment of igneous rock chemistry.
Main Results:
- Martian surface rocks are primarily tholeiitic basalts from extensive partial melting, showing minimal weathering.
- Siliceous, calc-alkaline, or silica-poor rocks are rare on Mars.
- Martian meteorites may not accurately represent older, more abundant crustal material.
Conclusions:
- The crustal composition indicates limited rock types and specific mantle melting processes.
- Martian meteorites may not be ideal for constraining Mars' mantle composition or diagnostic geochemistry.
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