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Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Solving the Martian meteorite age conundrum using micro-baddeleyite and launch-generated zircon.
D E Moser1, K R Chamberlain, K T Tait
1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada. desmond.moser@uwo.ca
Nature
|July 27, 2013
Summary
This study uses meteorite analysis to date Martian volcanic activity at 187 million years ago. It also reveals Mars has an ancient mantle and a recent ejection event less than 22 million years ago.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geochemistry
- Cosmochemistry
Background:
- Planetary evolution and dynamics are recorded in meteorite geochemistry.
- Dating Martian crustal formation and ejection events is challenging due to shock metamorphism and isotopic complexities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve the age discrepancies in Martian meteorite formation and ejection events.
- To establish a reliable geochronological method for Martian surface processes.
Main Methods:
- In situ electron-beam nanostructural analysis of microminerals.
- U-Pb (uranium-lead) isotopic measurements of baddeleyite and host igneous minerals.
- Analysis of the Martian meteorite Northwest Africa 5298.
Main Results:
- Baddeleyite grains in NWA 5298 pre-date the launch event, indicating basalt crystallization at 187 ± 33 million years ago.
- Magma source region fractionation occurred over four billion years ago, unique to Mars.
- Ejection from Mars occurred less than 22 ± 2 million years ago, causing localized impact melting.
Conclusions:
- Confirms ancient, non-convecting mantle beneath young volcanic Mars.
- Provides an upper bound for interplanetary travel time of Martian ejecta.
- Validates a new geochronological approach for inner Solar System bodies.
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