INVESTIGATIONS OF GEOCHEMICAL VARIATIONS WITH DEPTH AT THE FIRST 15 DRILL SITES ON MARS ANALYZED BY THE CHEMCAM INSTRUMENT ONBOARD THE CURIOSITY ROVER AND SUPPORTED BY LABORATORY STUDIES AND ANALOG RESEARCH AT THE VALLE GRANDE PALEOLAKE, VALLES CALDERA, NEW MEXICO, USA

Author

Ryan S. JacksonFollow

Publication Date

Spring 5-14-2021

Abstract

The ChemCam instrument collected a wealth of data during the first 15 drill campaigns and on the distribution of trace elements at Yellowknife Bay, Mars. The drill sites investigation showed that most sites were geochemically homogenous down the depth of the drill hole. Two sites in the Stimson formation contained a vertical gradient of decreasing silica down > 3 cm. This gradient may be the result of groundwater flow and is likely recent, within 2.3 Ma. The trace element research was grounded with an analog study at the Valle Grande paleolake in New Mexico. We observed progressive alteration in the minerology and trace elements as the surrounding rhyolites were eroded into lake sediments. This was applied to Yellowknife Bay; where minimal geochemical changes were observed between the sedimentary rocks and float rocks assumed to represent the source material. However, retention of Li does suggest some in-situ clay formation.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Horton Newsom

Second Committee Member

Dr. Roger Wiens

Third Committee Member

Dr. Laura Crossey

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Adrian Brearley

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Recommended Citation

Jackson, Ryan S.. "INVESTIGATIONS OF GEOCHEMICAL VARIATIONS WITH DEPTH AT THE FIRST 15 DRILL SITES ON MARS ANALYZED BY THE CHEMCAM INSTRUMENT ONBOARD THE CURIOSITY ROVER AND SUPPORTED BY LABORATORY STUDIES AND ANALOG RESEARCH AT THE VALLE GRANDE PALEOLAKE, VALLES CALDERA, NEW MEXICO, USA." (2021). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/eps_etds/322