Clays in acid environments on Mars

Projektinformationen

ACID-MARS

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 625137

Abgeschlossenes Projekt

Startdatum 1 September 2014

Enddatum 31 August 2016

Finanziert unter

• Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Gesamtkosten € 221 606,40

EU-Beitrag € 221 606,40

Koordiniert durch

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
United Kingdom

Ziel

This project will investigate the origin of aluminous Martian clay minerals (thought to be Hesperian in age) as possibly generated by acid hydrous alteration of silicate rocks. Clays are abundant on Mars, indicating extensive and continued hydrous activity at an early stage in the planet. Such fact has implications for the search of evidence for extraterrestrial life and for our knowledge of past Martian climate and conditions.

Aluminous clay formations on Mars typically contain kaolinite, montmorillonite, beidellite, hydrous silica and, frequently, sulphates. By comparison with Earth environments, this mineral assemblage suggests that it formed by acid alteration of silicate rocks, possibly basalt or the more ancient Fe- and Mg-rich clays that are frequently overlain by the aluminous clays. This project will use Al-rich clay assemblages in acid-altered rocks in Rio Tinto (Spain) as a proxy for the similar mineral assemblages on Mars.

Samples from Rio Tinto will be used to determine the intensity and mode of acid alteration. The crystal-chemistry of the clay minerals will be characterized in detail using advanced microscopy, chemical, spectroscopic, structural and isotope analytical techniques. They will be also investigated using diffuse reflectance near-infrared spectroscopy and their spectra compared with those obtained by remote sensing on Mars. X-ray diffraction and chemical data can be used also for comparison with those of clays on Mars in future rover missions.

This study will (1) produce new results that will constrain the mineralogy and formation conditions of aluminous clays on Mars; (2) increase the spectral library for Mars studies with well-characterized, complex clays; (3) enhance the European profile in planetary studies; and (4) provide the fellow with new, advanced skills in mineralogy and analytical techniques that will prepare him for new opportunities and a sustained research career in Europe.

Wissenschaftliches Gebiet

• natural sciences › physical sciences › optics › microscopy
• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › planetary sciences › planets
• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › remote sensing
• natural sciences › earth and related environmental sciences › geology › mineralogy
• natural sciences › physical sciences › optics › spectroscopy

Programm/Programme

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Thema/Themen

• FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development"

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF
Andere Projekte für diesen Aufruf anzeigen

Finanzierungsplan

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Koordinator

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Kontakt Verwaltung

Oliver Bacon (Mr.)

• EU-Beitrag: € 221 606,40
• Adresse: CROMWELL ROAD ; SW7 5BD London ; Vereinigtes Königreich
• Region: London › Inner London — West › Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham
• Aktivitätstyp: Public bodies (excluding Research Organisations and Secondary or Higher Education Establishments)
• Gesamtkosten: Keine Daten