Mineral alteration induced by sand transport: A source for the reddish color of martian dust

Authors :: Haraldur P. Gunnlaugsson
Jonathan Merrison
S. J. Knak Jensen
Per Nørnberg
Source :: Icarus. 205:716-718
Publication Year :: 2010
Publisher :: Elsevier BV, 2010.
Abstract: The iron mineral thought to give the characteristic reddish color to martian dust could have formed through mechanical activation during sand transport. This has been demonstrated experimentally under conditions which are known to occur on Mars.

Subjects :: Martian
Solar System
Mineral
integumentary system
Space and Planetary Science
Mineral alteration
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Mars Exploration Program
Mars surface
Geology
Astrobiology

Tools