Research Article| October 01, 2007 Evidence for a sedimentary origin of clay minerals in the Mawrth Vallis region, Mars Joseph R. Michalski; Joseph R. Michalski 1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, M.S. 183-501, 4800 Oak Grove, Pasadena, California 91109, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Eldar Z. Noe Dobrea Eldar Z. Noe Dobrea 2Malin Space Science Systems, P.O. Box 910148, San Diego, California 92121, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2007) 35 (10): 951–954. https://doi.org/10.1130/G23854A.1 Article history received: 15 Mar 2007 rev-recd: 04 Jun 2007 accepted: 06 Jun 2007 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Joseph R. Michalski, Eldar Z. Noe Dobrea; Evidence for a sedimentary origin of clay minerals in the Mawrth Vallis region, Mars. Geology 2007;; 35 (10): 951–954. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G23854A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Clay minerals detected spectroscopically in the Mawrth Vallis region of Mars correspond to a complex, layered, thick (>600 m) stratigraphic section of ancient bedrock. Because the light-toned, clay-bearing rocks are lithologically diverse over a broad area (>80,000 km2), have significant internal layering and complexity, and contain buried impact craters within the section (demonstrating that they were deposited over a geologically significant duration of time), we interpret the host rocks as sedimentary or possibly pyroclastic. Crater counts date the clay-bearing rocks to early-middle Noachian time (estimated as 3.8–4.1 Ga). Geomorphic observations suggest that the rocks were lithified early and deeply eroded during the late Noachian–early Hesperian. The combination of a probable ancient sedimentary context of the clays and a moderate pH formation environment implied by the occurrence of smectites clearly places these rocks among the most important targets for future astrobiological exploration. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.
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