Iceland as a Model for Chemical Alteration on Mars

Subglacial volcanic activity on Iceland has led to the formation of a variety of silicate and iron oxide-rich alteration products that may serve as a model for chemical alteration on Mars. Multiple palagonitic tuffs, altered pillow lavas, hydrothermal springs and alteration at glacial run-off stream...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: DeVincenzi, Donald L., Bishop, Janice L., Southard, R., Murad, E., Schiffman, P.
Format: Other/Unknown Material
Language:unknown
Published: 2001
Subjects:
Lunar and Planetary Science and Exploration
Iceland
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/2060/20010046975
Description
Summary:Subglacial volcanic activity on Iceland has led to the formation of a variety of silicate and iron oxide-rich alteration products that may serve as a model for chemical alteration on Mars. Multiple palagonitic tuffs, altered pillow lavas, hydrothermal springs and alteration at glacial run-off streams were observed during a recent field trip in Iceland. Formation of alteration products and ferrihydrite in similar environments on Mars may have contributed to the ferric oxide-rich surface material there. The spectral and chemical properties of Icelandic alteration products and ferrihydrites are presented here.

Similar Items