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Microbialite Biosignature Analysis by Mesoscale X-ray Fluorescence (μXRF) Mapping.

Michael M Tice1, Kimbra Quezergue1, Michael C Pope1

  • 1Department of Geology & Geophysics, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas.

Astrobiology
|November 15, 2017
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Summary

Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) uses X-ray fluorescence to map elements in rocks, aiding biosignature detection. This study shows PIXL can infer genetic processes and identify biosignatures in ancient stromatolites.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Geochemistry
  • Planetary Science

Background:

  • The Mars 2020 rover will utilize the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL), a micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) spectrometer, for biosignature detection.
  • Understanding μXRF's capabilities in analyzing rock types and identifying biosignatures is crucial for the Mars 2020 mission's in situ science and sample selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test mesoscale chemical mapping using μXRF for biosignature interpretation in microbialites.
  • To identify spatial distributions and elemental associations ('fluorescence microfacies') to infer the processes that formed compositional distributions in ancient stromatolites.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized μXRF spectroscopy to analyze elemental distributions in Mesoarchean stromatolites from the Nsuze Group (2.98 Ga).
  • Characterized five distinct fluorescence microfacies: laminated dolostone, laminated chert, clotted dolostone and chert, stromatolite clast breccia, and cavity fill.

Main Results:

  • Analyzed elemental distributions to infer the formation processes of different microfacies.
  • Laminated dolostone formed from microbial mats trapping sediment and precipitating carbonate. Laminated chert resulted from secondary silicification of microbial mats.
  • Clotted dolostone and chert formed as mounds through mat growth and carbonate precipitation. Breccias filled erosional spaces, and cavities contained microquartz, Mn-rich dolomite, and calcite.

Conclusions:

  • μXRF is effective for inferring genetic processes in rocks.
  • μXRF can successfully identify biosignatures in compositionally heterogeneous rocks, supporting its use in astrobiological exploration.