作者: Erwin Dehouck , Scott M. McLennan , Pierre-Yves Meslin , Agnès Cousin
DOI: 10.1002/2014JE004716
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摘要: X-ray diffraction patterns of the three samples analyzed by Curiosity's Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument during first year Mars Science Laboratory mission—the Rocknest sand, John Klein Cumberland drill fines, both extracted from Sheepbed mudstone—show evidence for a significant amorphous component unclear origin. We developed mass balance calculation program that determines range possible chemical compositions crystalline components these within uncertainties mineral abundances derived CheMin data. In turn, chemistry constrains minimum abundance required to have realistic (all oxides ≥ 0 wt %): 21–22 wt % 15–20 wt Cumberland, in good agreement with estimates (~27 ~31 wt %, respectively). Despite obvious differences between sand mudstone, two sites are chemically very similar, having comparable concentrations SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, FeOT, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5. MgO tends be lower Rocknest, although it may also depending on exact composition smectite Sheepbed. The only unambiguous difference is SO3 content, which always higher Rocknest. observed similarity suggests share common origin or formation process. individual phases possibly present include: volcanic (or impact) glass, hisingerite silica + ferrihydrite), sulfates adsorbed SO42−), nanophase ferric oxides.