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Short-Wave Infrared Reflectance Investigation of Sites of Paleobiological Interest: Applications for Mars Exploration

Short-Wave Infrared Reflectance Investigation of Sites of Paleobiological Interest: Applications for Mars Exploration

Authors :
Adrian J. Brown
Thomas J. Cudahy
Malcolm R. Walter
Source :
Astrobiology. 4:359-376
Publication Year :
2004
Publisher :
Mary Ann Liebert Inc, 2004.

Abstract

Rover missions to the rocky bodies of the Solar System and especially to Mars require lightweight, portable instruments that use minimal power, require no sample preparation, and provide suitably diagnostic mineralogical information to an Earth-based exploration team. Short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopic instruments such as the Portable Infrared Mineral Analyser (PIMA, Integrated Spectronics Pty Ltd., Baulkham Hills, NSW, Australia) fulfill all these requirements. We describe an investigation of a possible Mars analogue site using a PIMA instrument. A survey was carried out on the Strelley Pool Chert, an outcrop of stromatolitic, silicified Archean carbonate and clastic succession in the Pilbara Craton, interpreted as being modified by hydrothermal processes. The results of this study demonstrate the capability of SWIR techniques to add significantly to the geological interpretation of such hydrothermally altered outcrops. Minerals identified include dolomite, white micas such as illite-muscovite, and chlorite. In addition, the detection of pyrophyllite in a bleached and altered unit directly beneath the succession suggests acidic, sulfur-rich hydrothermal activity may have interacted with the silicified sediments of the Strelley Pool Chert.

Details

ISSN :
15578070 and 15311074
Volume :
4
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Astrobiology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....6e5d4aadba69227e9e898aec30f0f553
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2004.4.359