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A possible terrestrial analogue for haematite concretions on Mars

Author

Listed:
  • Marjorie A. Chan

    (University of Utah)

  • Brenda Beitler

    (University of Utah)

  • W. T. Parry

    (University of Utah)

  • Jens Ormö

    (Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial)

  • Goro Komatsu

    (Università d'Annunzio)

Abstract

Recent exploration has revealed extensive geological evidence for a water-rich past in the shallow subsurface of Mars. Images of in situ and loose accumulations of abundant, haematite-rich spherical balls from the Mars Exploration Rover ‘Opportunity’ landing site at Meridiani Planum1,2,3 bear a striking resemblance to diagenetic (post-depositional), haematite-cemented concretions found in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone of southern Utah4,5. Here we compare the spherical concretions imaged on Mars to these terrestrial concretions, and investigate the implications for analogous groundwater-related formation mechanisms. The morphology, character and distribution of Navajo haematite concretions allow us to infer host-rock properties and fluid processes necessary for similar features to develop on Mars. We conclude that the formation of such spherical haematite concretions requires the presence of a permeable host rock, groundwater flow and a chemical reaction front.

Suggested Citation

  • Marjorie A. Chan & Brenda Beitler & W. T. Parry & Jens Ormö & Goro Komatsu, 2004. "A possible terrestrial analogue for haematite concretions on Mars," Nature, Nature, vol. 429(6993), pages 731-734, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:429:y:2004:i:6993:d:10.1038_nature02600
    DOI: 10.1038/nature02600
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