Source-to-Sink Terrestrial Analogs for the Paleoenvironment of Gale Crater, Mars.

摘要: In the Late Noachian to Early Hesperian period, rivers transported detritus from igneous source terrains a downstream lake within Gale crater, creating stratified stack of fluviolacustrine rocks that is currently exposed along slopes Mount Sharp. Controversy exists regarding paleoclimate supported overland flow liquid water at in large part because little known about how chemical and mineralogical indicators mafic-rock dominated source-to-sink systems are translated into rock record. Here, we compile data basaltic with varying climates on Earth order provide reference frame for conditions may have prevailed during formation sedimentary strata particularly focusing Sheepbed Pahrump Hills members. We calculate index alteration weathering profiles fluvial sediments better constrain relationship between climate mafic terrains, method best estimates cooler limit averaged over time. also compare X-ray diffraction patterns mineral abundances terrestrial martian mudstones understand influence secondary assemblages terrains. show geochemistry mineralogy most fine-grained crater display first-order similarities generated resemble those present-day Iceland, while other parts stratigraphy indicate even colder baseline conditions. None lithologies examined or warm (temperate tropical) climates.