Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-28-2026

Abstract

The story of ancient Mars is written in water and is deciphered by geologic analysis through missions like MSL Curiosity. Gale crater housed a long-lived fluvio-lacustrine environment that recorded a history of a Mars with a water-rich environment not unlike our own. This aqueous history is recorded in the preservation of clay minerals, diagenetic features, and amorphous phases. One of the single most important questions for planetary science is, has Mars ever supported a habitable environment capable of supporting life? In this manuscript, I explore both martian materials and martian analogs to provide insight into the ancient aqueous conditions present in Gale crater. The results of this study provide further support that Gale crater housed a geochemically active environment that had abundant water and was capable of preserving organics, thus suggesting an ideal habitable environment. This works helps to strengthen the framework and methods for future studies to break further ground into research on martian habitability.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Adrian Brearley

Second Committee Member

Patrick Gasda

Third Committee Member

Laura Crossey

Fourth Committee Member

Benjamin Tutolo

Fifth Committee Member

Tyler Mackey

Language

English

Keywords

Mars, planetary science, geochemistry

Document Type

Dissertation

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Available for download on Friday, July 28, 2028

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