Abstract
The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) on Spirit has studied the mineralogy and thermophysical properties at Gusev crater. Undisturbed soil spectra show evidence for minor carbonates and bound water. Rocks are olivine-rich basalts with varying degrees of dust and other coatings. Dark-toned soils observed on disturbed surfaces may be derived from rocks and have derived mineralogy (±5 to 10%) of 45% pyroxene (20% Ca-rich pyroxene and 25% pigeonite), 40% sodic to intermediate plagioclase, and 15% olivine (forsterite 45% ±5 to 10). Two spectrally distinct coatings are observed on rocks, a possible indicator of the interaction of water, rock, and airfall dust. Diurnal temperature data indicate particle sizes from 40 to 80 μm in hollows to ∼0.5 to 3 mm in soils.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 837-842 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 305 |
Issue number | 5685 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 6 2004 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General