[
{
"id": "authors:8yyrj-hv817",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "8yyrj-hv817",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/8yyrj-hv817",
"type": "article",
"title": "An Aeolian Depositional Sequence Shaped by Near-Surface Water at the Base of the Layered Sulfate Unit, Gale Crater, Mars",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Roberts",
"given_name": "Amelie L.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6504-3085"
},
{
"family_name": "Gupta",
"given_name": "Sanjeev"
},
{
"family_name": "Cowart",
"given_name": "Aster"
},
{
"family_name": "Edgar",
"given_name": "Lauren A."
},
{
"family_name": "Rapin",
"given_name": "William"
},
{
"family_name": "Dietrich",
"given_name": "William E."
},
{
"family_name": "Kite",
"given_name": "Edwin",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1426-1186"
},
{
"family_name": "Banham",
"given_name": "Steven G.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1206-1639"
},
{
"family_name": "Davis",
"given_name": "Joel M.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3522-7910"
},
{
"family_name": "Mondro",
"given_name": "Claire A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1107-5780",
"clpid": "Mondro-Claire-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Rubin",
"given_name": "Dave M.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1169-1452"
},
{
"family_name": "Grotzinger",
"given_name": "John P.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9324-1257",
"clpid": "Grotzinger-J-P"
},
{
"family_name": "Farrand",
"given_name": "William",
"orcid": "0000-0002-7906-1740"
},
{
"family_name": "Kah",
"given_name": "Linda",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7172-2033"
},
{
"family_name": "Lewis",
"given_name": "Kevin",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3412-803X"
},
{
"family_name": "Bryk",
"given_name": "Alexander",
"orcid": "0000-0002-2013-7456"
},
{
"family_name": "Weitz",
"given_name": "Catherine",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4646-0825"
},
{
"family_name": "Sheppard",
"given_name": "Rachel Y.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-7561-9735"
},
{
"family_name": "Caravaca",
"given_name": "Gw\u00e9na\u00ebl",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4138-0471"
},
{
"family_name": "Le Mou\u00e9lic",
"given_name": "St\u00e9phane",
"orcid": "0000-0001-5260-1367"
},
{
"family_name": "Harris",
"given_name": "Emma R.",
"orcid": "0009-0003-9539-1760"
},
{
"family_name": "Gasda",
"given_name": "Patrick J.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0895-1153"
},
{
"family_name": "Yingst",
"given_name": "Aileen",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0628-4265"
},
{
"family_name": "Fey",
"given_name": "Deirdra",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0756-7969"
},
{
"family_name": "Johnson",
"given_name": "Jeffrey R.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5586-4901"
},
{
"family_name": "Paar",
"given_name": "Gerhard P.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3198-8640"
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "Abigail A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Vasavada",
"given_name": "Ashwin R.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-2665-286X",
"clpid": "Vasavada-Ashwin-R"
}
],
"abstract": "The basal strata of the orbitally defined Layered Sulfate unit (LSu) in Gale crater, Mars, marks the end of a major mineralogical transition from clay\u2010to sulfate\u2010bearing stratigraphy. This has previously been attributed to a period of significant aridification of Gale's climate. Here, we present ground\u2010based observations by the Curiosity rover of the sedimentary facies and architecture of the basal strata of the LSu, and reconstruct the past depositional environments. The succession predominantly comprises four members of the Mirador formation: the Contigo, Catrimani, Amapari, and Chenapau members. The Contigo member records the migration of simple aeolian dunes. The Catrimani and Chenapau members record a facies characteristic of wind\u2010ripple migration in aeolian sand sheets. Periodic damp sand sheet deposition is inferred through candidate adhesion structures and evaporite crystals. Evidence for periodic surface water occurs as lacustrine deposits (the Amapari member) and an embedded fluvial lens. Near\u2010surface water likely restricted the availability of loose sediment, suppressing dune formation and promoting the accumulation of a thick sandsheet succession that, at ∼60 m, exceeds known terrestrial equivalents. Deposition under these conditions would have required a continuously rising water table, but the rate of sediment accumulation was likely high enough for a predominantly aeolian environment. Contrary to earlier aridification models for the LSu, this basal succession likely records an overall aeolian environment controlled by a rising water table in Gale crater during the Hesperian.
",
"doi": "10.1029/2025je009556",
"issn": "2169-9097",
"publisher": "American Geophysical Union",
"publication": "Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets",
"publication_date": "2026-05",
"series_number": "5",
"volume": "131",
"issue": "5",
"pages": "e2025JE009556"
},
{
"id": "authors:rv372-tkz42",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "rv372-tkz42",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/rv372-tkz42",
"type": "article",
"title": "Amapari Marker Band Metal-Enrichments: Potential Mechanisms and Implications for Surface and Subsurface Water and Weathering in Gale Crater",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Gasda",
"given_name": "P. J.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0895-1153"
},
{
"family_name": "Kite",
"given_name": "E. S.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1426-1186"
},
{
"family_name": "Thompson",
"given_name": "L. M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5444-952X"
},
{
"family_name": "Mondro",
"given_name": "C.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1107-5780",
"clpid": "Mondro-Claire"
},
{
"family_name": "Dietrich",
"given_name": "W. E."
},
{
"family_name": "Weitz",
"given_name": "C. M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4646-0825"
},
{
"family_name": "Tutolo",
"given_name": "B.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-3047-8828"
},
{
"family_name": "Farrand",
"given_name": "W. H.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-7906-1740"
},
{
"family_name": "Hausrath",
"given_name": "E.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5520-1622"
},
{
"family_name": "Cowart",
"given_name": "A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0265-7981"
},
{
"family_name": "Lanza",
"given_name": "N. L.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4445-7996"
},
{
"family_name": "Lewis",
"given_name": "K. W.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3412-803X"
},
{
"family_name": "Gupta",
"given_name": "S."
},
{
"family_name": "Roberts",
"given_name": "A.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6504-3085"
},
{
"family_name": "Goetz",
"given_name": "W.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7998-8995"
},
{
"family_name": "Newsom",
"given_name": "H. E."
},
{
"family_name": "Crossey",
"given_name": "L.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6237-8023"
},
{
"family_name": "Lightholder",
"given_name": "J.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9811-2227"
},
{
"family_name": "Hardgrove",
"given_name": "C.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8556-6630"
},
{
"family_name": "Schieber",
"given_name": "J."
},
{
"family_name": "Schwenzer",
"given_name": "S. P.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-9608-0759"
},
{
"family_name": "VanBommel",
"given_name": "S. J.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6565-0827"
},
{
"family_name": "Schr\u00f6der",
"given_name": "S.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1870-3663"
},
{
"family_name": "O'Connell\u2010Cooper",
"given_name": "C. D.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4561-3663"
},
{
"family_name": "Das",
"given_name": "D."
},
{
"family_name": "Rubin",
"given_name": "D.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1169-1452"
},
{
"family_name": "Rapin",
"given_name": "W."
},
{
"family_name": "Bristow",
"given_name": "T. F.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6725-0555"
},
{
"family_name": "Rampe",
"given_name": "E.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6999-0028"
},
{
"family_name": "Archer",
"given_name": "P. D."
},
{
"family_name": "Seeger",
"given_name": "C.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4993-9724",
"clpid": "Seeger-Christina"
},
{
"family_name": "Caravaca",
"given_name": "G.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4138-0471"
},
{
"family_name": "Johnson",
"given_name": "J. R.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5586-4901"
},
{
"family_name": "Le Mou\u00e9lic",
"given_name": "S.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-5260-1367"
},
{
"family_name": "Grant",
"given_name": "J. A.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-8276-1281"
},
{
"family_name": "Davis",
"given_name": "J.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3522-7910"
},
{
"family_name": "Lasue",
"given_name": "J.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9082-4457"
},
{
"family_name": "Yingst",
"given_name": "A.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0628-4265"
},
{
"family_name": "Bryk",
"given_name": "A. B.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-2013-7456"
},
{
"family_name": "Lamb",
"given_name": "M. P.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5701-0504",
"clpid": "Lamb-M-P"
},
{
"family_name": "Fischer",
"given_name": "W. W.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8836-3054",
"clpid": "Fischer-W-W"
},
{
"family_name": "House",
"given_name": "C.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4926-4985"
},
{
"family_name": "Dehouck",
"given_name": "E.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1368-4494"
},
{
"family_name": "Essunfeld",
"given_name": "A.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-8689-0734"
},
{
"family_name": "Milliken",
"given_name": "R.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3240-4918"
},
{
"family_name": "Sheppard",
"given_name": "R.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-7561-9735"
},
{
"family_name": "Minitti",
"given_name": "M.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4715-4544"
},
{
"family_name": "Ming",
"given_name": "D."
},
{
"family_name": "Simpson",
"given_name": "S.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3628-890X"
},
{
"family_name": "Frydenvang",
"given_name": "J.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9294-1227"
},
{
"family_name": "Williams",
"given_name": "R. M. E.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1571-6952"
},
{
"family_name": "Arvidson",
"given_name": "R."
},
{
"family_name": "Gellert",
"given_name": "R."
},
{
"family_name": "Gasnault",
"given_name": "O.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6979-9012"
},
{
"family_name": "Clegg",
"given_name": "S. M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0338-0948"
},
{
"family_name": "Delapp",
"given_name": "D."
},
{
"family_name": "Vasavada",
"given_name": "A. R.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-2665-286X",
"clpid": "Vasavada-Ashwin-R"
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
}
],
"abstract": "NASA's Curiosity rover is exploring a 5 km tall sedimentary mound that is hypothesized to record the transition from a warm and wet (phyllosilicate\u2010rich) to a cold and drier (sulfate\u2010rich) Mars. Evidence of magnesium sulfate\u2010bearing rock has shown that Curiosity has crossed through this phyllosilicate\u2010sulfate transition. Recently, Curiosity arrived at the Amapari Marker Band, a darker, indurated unit that can be traced laterally for tens of kilometers in orbiter images. Here, Curiosity found evidence for a very broad lake, and bedforms interpreted as wave\u2010ripple laminated sedimentary rock that likely was deposited in shallow water in the explored location, before becoming a deeper lake. These rocks are enriched in Fe, Mn, and Zn which has major implications for groundwater paleohydrology in Gale crater. Three formation hypotheses are considered: concretion formation during early diagenetic alteration of shallow lake sediments, laterization or leaching of the sediments, and addition of Fe, Mn, and Zn by a mildly acidic and reducing groundwater interacting with a redox and/or pH front in a stratified lake. The preferred interpretation of the metal enrichments within the Amapari Marker band sedimentary rocks is that they formed in a shallow water environment at a redox and/or pH front within the ripple unit, which drove precipitation and concentration of metals. If the enrichments are due to groundwater alteration, these processes could link subsurface and surface environments. Water and the presence of high amounts of redox sensitive elements and other metals are favorable indicators for habitability.
",
"doi": "10.1029/2025je009153",
"issn": "2169-9097",
"publisher": "American Geophysical Union",
"publication": "Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets",
"publication_date": "2026-04",
"series_number": "4",
"volume": "131",
"issue": "4",
"pages": "e2025JE009153"
},
{
"id": "authors:9kmv8-yr728",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "9kmv8-yr728",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/9kmv8-yr728",
"type": "article",
"title": "Paleo\u2010Scours Within the Layered Sulfate\u2010Bearing Unit at Gale Crater, Mars: Evidence for Intense Wind Erosion",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Roberts",
"given_name": "Amelie L.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6504-3085"
},
{
"family_name": "Gupta",
"given_name": "Sanjeev"
},
{
"family_name": "Banham",
"given_name": "Steven G.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1206-1639"
},
{
"family_name": "Cowart",
"given_name": "Aster"
},
{
"family_name": "Edgar",
"given_name": "Lauren A."
},
{
"family_name": "Rapin",
"given_name": "William"
},
{
"family_name": "Dietrich",
"given_name": "William E."
},
{
"family_name": "Davis",
"given_name": "Joel M.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3522-7910"
},
{
"family_name": "Kite",
"given_name": "Edwin S.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1426-1186"
},
{
"family_name": "Caravaca",
"given_name": "Gw\u00e9na\u00ebl",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4138-0471"
},
{
"family_name": "Mondro",
"given_name": "Claire A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1107-5780",
"clpid": "Mondro-Claire-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Gasda",
"given_name": "Patrick J.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0895-1153"
},
{
"family_name": "Johnson",
"given_name": "Jeffrey R.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5586-4901"
},
{
"family_name": "Le Mou\u00e9lic",
"given_name": "St\u00e9phane",
"orcid": "0000-0001-5260-1367"
},
{
"family_name": "Fey",
"given_name": "Deirdra M.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0756-7969"
},
{
"family_name": "Bryk",
"given_name": "Alexander B.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-2013-7456"
},
{
"family_name": "Paar",
"given_name": "Gerhard",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3198-8640"
},
{
"family_name": "Harris",
"given_name": "Emma R. A.",
"orcid": "0009-0003-9539-1760"
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "Abigail",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Vasavada",
"given_name": "Ashwin R.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-2665-286X"
}
],
"abstract": "The surface of modern Mars is largely shaped by wind, but the influence of past wind activity is less well constrained. Sedimentary rocks exposed in the lower foothills of Aeolis Mons, the central mound within Gale crater, record a transition from predominantly lacustrine deposition in the Murray formation to aeolian deposition in the Mirador formation. Here, we report a series of enigmatic decameter-wide, concave-up scour-and-fill structures within the Mirador formation and discuss their formation mechanisms. Using panoramic images of stratigraphy exposed in cliff faces acquired by the Curiosity rover, we map the extent, distribution and orientation of the scour-and-fill structures and document the sedimentary facies within and surrounding these structures. The scours are grouped into two classes: (A) scours with a simple, symmetric morphology and light-toned, draping infill; and (B) scours with lateral pinching and dark-toned infill. We find that the scour-enclosing environment is composed of planar, even-in-thickness laminations with a pin-stripe pattern which we interpret as wind-ripple strata formed within an aeolian sandsheet environment. Class B contains cm-scale cross-bedding and a wing-shaped feature making this scour-and-fill structure consistent with fluvial processes. We interpret scour fill of class A as an aeolian infill due to similarities with the surrounding sandsheet strata. The broad morphologies and distribution of class A are also consistent with the geometry of blowout structures formed by localized, enhanced wind deflation. These paleo-blowout structures occur clustered within the same stratigraphic interval, which may imply that they record an interval of intensified wind activity at Gale crater.
",
"doi": "10.1029/2024je008680",
"issn": "2169-9097",
"publisher": "American Geophysical Union",
"publication": "Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets",
"publication_date": "2025-05",
"series_number": "5",
"volume": "130",
"issue": "5",
"pages": "e2024JE008680"
},
{
"id": "authors:kjkr4-8r091",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "kjkr4-8r091",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/kjkr4-8r091",
"type": "article",
"title": "Carbonates identified by the Curiosity rover indicate a carbon cycle operated on ancient Mars",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Tutolo",
"given_name": "Benjamin M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-3047-8828"
},
{
"family_name": "Hausrath",
"given_name": "Elisabeth M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5520-1622"
},
{
"family_name": "Kite",
"given_name": "Edwin S.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1426-1186"
},
{
"family_name": "Rampe",
"given_name": "Elizabeth B.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6999-0028"
},
{
"family_name": "Bristow",
"given_name": "Thomas F.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6725-0555"
},
{
"family_name": "Downs",
"given_name": "Robert T.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8380-7728"
},
{
"family_name": "Treiman",
"given_name": "Allan",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8073-2839"
},
{
"family_name": "Peretyazhko",
"given_name": "Tanya S.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-5533-6490"
},
{
"family_name": "Thorpe",
"given_name": "Michael T.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1235-9016"
},
{
"family_name": "Grotzinger",
"given_name": "John P.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9324-1257",
"clpid": "Grotzinger-J-P"
},
{
"family_name": "Roberts",
"given_name": "Amelie L.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6504-3085"
},
{
"family_name": "Archer",
"given_name": "P. Douglas"
},
{
"family_name": "Des Marais",
"given_name": "David J.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6827-5831"
},
{
"family_name": "Blake",
"given_name": "David F.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0834-4487"
},
{
"family_name": "Vaniman",
"given_name": "David T.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7661-2626"
},
{
"family_name": "Morrison",
"given_name": "Shaunna M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1712-8057"
},
{
"family_name": "Chipera",
"given_name": "Steve",
"orcid": "0009-0006-0365-6277"
},
{
"family_name": "Hazen",
"given_name": "Robert M."
},
{
"family_name": "Morris",
"given_name": "Richard V.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1413-4002"
},
{
"family_name": "Tu",
"given_name": "Valerie M.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1976-9058"
},
{
"family_name": "Simpson",
"given_name": "Sarah L.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3628-890X"
},
{
"family_name": "Pandey",
"given_name": "Aditi",
"orcid": "0000-0001-5869-1244"
},
{
"family_name": "Yen",
"given_name": "Albert",
"clpid": "Yen-Albert"
},
{
"family_name": "Larter",
"given_name": "Stephen R.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7195-1477"
},
{
"family_name": "Craig",
"given_name": "Patricia",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4080-4997"
},
{
"family_name": "Castle",
"given_name": "Nicholas",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0608-1249"
},
{
"family_name": "Ming",
"given_name": "Douglas W.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0567-8876"
},
{
"family_name": "Meusburger",
"given_name": "Johannes M."
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "Abigail A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Burtt",
"given_name": "David G.",
"orcid": "0009-0003-4461-0396"
},
{
"family_name": "Franz",
"given_name": "Heather B.",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9716-5597"
},
{
"family_name": "Sutter",
"given_name": "Brad",
"orcid": "0000-0002-3036-170X"
},
{
"family_name": "Clark",
"given_name": "Joanna V."
},
{
"family_name": "Rapin",
"given_name": "William",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4660-8006"
},
{
"family_name": "Bridges",
"given_name": "John C.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-9579-5779"
},
{
"family_name": "Loche",
"given_name": "Matteo",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0413-3305"
},
{
"family_name": "Gasda",
"given_name": "Patrick",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0895-1153"
},
{
"family_name": "Frydenvang",
"given_name": "Jens",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9294-1227"
},
{
"family_name": "Vasavada",
"given_name": "Ashwin R.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-2665-286X",
"clpid": "Vasavada-Ashwin-R"
}
],
"abstract": "Ancient Mars had surface liquid water and a dense carbon dioxide (CO2)–rich atmosphere. Such an atmosphere would interact with crustal rocks, potentially leaving a mineralogical record of its presence. We analyzed the composition of an 89-meter stratigraphic section of Gale crater, Mars, using data collected by the Curiosity rover. An iron carbonate mineral, siderite, occurs in abundances of 4.8 to 10.5 weight %, colocated with highly water-soluble salts. We infer that the siderite formed in water-limited conditions, driven by water-rock reactions and evaporation. Comparison with orbital data indicates that similar strata (deposited globally) sequestered the equivalent of 2.6 to 36 millibar of atmospheric CO2. The presence of iron oxyhydroxides in these deposits indicates that a partially closed carbon cycle on ancient Mars returned some previously sequestered CO2 to the atmosphere.
",
"doi": "10.1126/science.ado9966",
"issn": "0036-8075",
"publisher": "American Association for the Advancement of Science",
"publication": "Science",
"publication_date": "2025-04-17",
"series_number": "6744",
"volume": "388",
"issue": "6744",
"pages": "292-297"
},
{
"id": "authors:n3r6a-9w125",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "n3r6a-9w125",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/n3r6a-9w125",
"type": "article",
"title": "Diagenetic Features Reveal the Influence of the Greenheugh Pediment on the Alteration History of Gale Crater, Mars",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Ando",
"given_name": "Jordan"
},
{
"family_name": "Sheppard",
"given_name": "Rachel Y.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-7561-9735"
},
{
"family_name": "Bryk",
"given_name": "Alexander B.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-2013-7456"
},
{
"family_name": "Sun",
"given_name": "Vivian",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1480-7369"
},
{
"family_name": "Seeger",
"given_name": "Christina H.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4993-9724"
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "Abigail A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Eng",
"given_name": "Alivia M.",
"orcid": "0009-0006-3570-1087"
},
{
"family_name": "Kah",
"given_name": "Linda",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7172-2033"
},
{
"family_name": "Rudolph",
"given_name": "Amanda N.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-2911-9032"
}
],
"abstract": "We investigate the nature of diagenetic features encountered by the Curiosity rover within Mount Sharp from sols 1900–3,049. Using Curiosity's Mars Hand Lens Imager and Mast Camera (Mastcam), we classify diagenetic features into established morphological categories and assess their spatial distribution, density, and size. Our analysis reveals variations in diagenetic feature density and morphology linked to stratigraphic boundaries and proximity to the Greenheugh Pediment unconformity, highlighting the role of diagenetic fluids in shaping these features. We find a reduction in diagenetic features at the Jura to Knockfarril Hill member boundary, a spike in feature abundance at the Knockfarril Hill to Glasgow member boundary, and a strong statistical relationship between feature abundance and vertical distance from the Greenheugh Pediment. These trends point to a dynamic history of diagenetic fluid flow, influenced by variations in porosity, permeability, and structural controls, including the presence of the Pediment.
",
"doi": "10.1029/2024je008891",
"issn": "2169-9097",
"publisher": "American Geophysical Union",
"publication": "Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets",
"publication_date": "2025-04",
"series_number": "4",
"volume": "130",
"issue": "4",
"pages": "e2024JE008891"
},
{
"id": "authors:a91z2-rcp98",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "a91z2-rcp98",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/a91z2-rcp98",
"type": "article",
"title": "Gypsum on Mars: A Detailed View at Gale Crater",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Vaniman",
"given_name": "David",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7661-2626"
},
{
"family_name": "Chipera",
"given_name": "Steve"
},
{
"family_name": "Rampe",
"given_name": "Elizabeth",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6999-0028"
},
{
"family_name": "Bristow",
"given_name": "Thomas",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6725-0555"
},
{
"family_name": "Blake",
"given_name": "David",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0834-4487"
},
{
"family_name": "Meusburger",
"given_name": "Johannes",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4367-3566"
},
{
"family_name": "Peretyazhko",
"given_name": "Tanya"
},
{
"family_name": "Rapin",
"given_name": "William",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4660-8006"
},
{
"family_name": "Berger",
"given_name": "Jeff",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0380-4683"
},
{
"family_name": "Ming",
"given_name": "Douglas"
},
{
"family_name": "Craig",
"given_name": "Patricia",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4080-4997"
},
{
"family_name": "Castle",
"given_name": "Nicholas",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0608-1249"
},
{
"family_name": "Downs",
"given_name": "Robert T.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8380-7728"
},
{
"family_name": "Morrison",
"given_name": "Shaunna",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1712-8057"
},
{
"family_name": "Hazen",
"given_name": "Robert",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4163-8644"
},
{
"family_name": "Morris",
"given_name": "Richard",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1413-4002"
},
{
"family_name": "Pandey",
"given_name": "Aditi"
},
{
"family_name": "Treiman",
"given_name": "Allan H.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8073-2839"
},
{
"family_name": "Yen",
"given_name": "Albert",
"clpid": "Yen-Albert"
},
{
"family_name": "Achilles",
"given_name": "Cherie",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9185-6768"
},
{
"family_name": "Tutolo",
"given_name": "Benjamin",
"orcid": "0000-0002-3047-8828"
},
{
"family_name": "Hausrath",
"given_name": "Elisabeth",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5520-1622"
},
{
"family_name": "Simpson",
"given_name": "Sarah"
},
{
"family_name": "Thorpe",
"given_name": "Michael",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1235-9016"
},
{
"family_name": "Tu",
"given_name": "Valerie",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1976-9058"
},
{
"family_name": "Des Marais",
"given_name": "David J."
},
{
"family_name": "Grotzinger",
"given_name": "John",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9324-1257",
"clpid": "Grotzinger-J-P"
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "Abigail",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
}
],
"abstract": "Gypsum is a common mineral at Gale crater on Mars, currently being explored by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, Curiosity. In this paper, we summarize the associations of gypsum with other sulfate minerals (bassanite, anhydrite, jarosite, starkeyite, and kieserite) from the lowest levels of the crater's northern moat zone (Aeolis Palus) up through ~0.8 km of the stratigraphic section in the lower slopes of the sedimentary mound developed around the central peak, Aeolis Mons (informally, Mount Sharp). The analysis is based on results from the CheMin X-ray diffraction instrument on Curiosity, supplemented with information from the rover's versatile instrument suite. Gypsum does not occur with the same frequency as less hydrous Ca-sulfates, likely, in most cases, because of its dehydration to bassanite and possibly to anhydrite. All three of these Ca-sulfate phases often occur together and, along with other sulfates, in mixed assemblages that are evidence of limited equilibration on a cold, dry planet. In almost all samples, at least one of the Ca-sulfate minerals is present, except for a very limited interval where jarosite is the major sulfate mineral, with the implication of more acidic groundwater at a much later time in Gale crater's history. Although observations from orbit reveal a sulfate-rich surface, currently active dark basaltic dunes at Gale crater have only small amounts of a single sulfate mineral, anhydrite. Gale crater has provided the most complete mineralogical analysis of a site on Mars so far, but the data in hand show that Gale crater mineralogy is not a blueprint with planet-wide application. The concurrent study of Jezero crater by the Mars 2020 mission and comparisons to what is believed to be the most extensive deposit of gypsum on Mars, in the dune fields at the north polar ice cap, show significant diversity. Unraveling the stories of gypsum and other sulfates on Mars is just beginning.",
"doi": "10.3390/min14080815",
"issn": "2075-163X",
"publisher": "MDPI AG",
"publication": "Minerals",
"publication_date": "2024-08",
"series_number": "8",
"volume": "14",
"issue": "8",
"pages": "815"
},
{
"id": "authors:m672x-e5b22",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "m672x-e5b22",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/m672x-e5b22",
"type": "article",
"title": "The Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) X-ray Diffractometer on the MSL Curiosity Rover: A Decade of Mineralogy from Gale Crater, Mars",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Blake",
"given_name": "David",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0834-4487"
},
{
"family_name": "Tu",
"given_name": "Valerie",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1976-9058"
},
{
"family_name": "Bristow",
"given_name": "Thomas",
"orcid": "0000-0001-6725-0555"
},
{
"family_name": "Rampe",
"given_name": "Elizabeth",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6999-0028"
},
{
"family_name": "Vaniman",
"given_name": "David",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7661-2626"
},
{
"family_name": "Chipera",
"given_name": "Steve"
},
{
"family_name": "Sarrazin",
"given_name": "Philippe"
},
{
"family_name": "Morris",
"given_name": "Richard",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1413-4002"
},
{
"family_name": "Morrison",
"given_name": "Shaunna",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1712-8057"
},
{
"family_name": "Yen",
"given_name": "Albert",
"clpid": "Yen-Albert"
},
{
"family_name": "Downs",
"given_name": "Robert",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8380-7728"
},
{
"family_name": "Hazen",
"given_name": "Robert",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4163-8644"
},
{
"family_name": "Treiman",
"given_name": "Allan",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8073-2839"
},
{
"family_name": "Ming",
"given_name": "Douglas",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0567-8876"
},
{
"family_name": "Downs",
"given_name": "Gordon"
},
{
"family_name": "Achilles",
"given_name": "Cherie"
},
{
"family_name": "Castle",
"given_name": "Nicholas",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0608-1249"
},
{
"family_name": "Peretyazhko",
"given_name": "Tanya"
},
{
"family_name": "De Marais",
"given_name": "David"
},
{
"family_name": "Craig",
"given_name": "Patricia",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4080-4997"
},
{
"family_name": "Lafuente",
"given_name": "Barbara"
},
{
"family_name": "Tutolo",
"given_name": "Benjamin",
"orcid": "0000-0002-3047-8828"
},
{
"family_name": "Hausrath",
"given_name": "Elisabeth",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5520-1622"
},
{
"family_name": "Simpson",
"given_name": "Sarah",
"orcid": "0000-0003-3628-890X"
},
{
"family_name": "Walroth",
"given_name": "Richard"
},
{
"family_name": "Thorpe",
"given_name": "Michael",
"orcid": "0000-0002-1235-9016"
},
{
"family_name": "Meusburger",
"given_name": "Johannes",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4367-3566"
},
{
"family_name": "Pandey",
"given_name": "Aditi"
},
{
"family_name": "Gailhanou",
"given_name": "Marc",
"orcid": "0000-0002-7747-703X"
},
{
"family_name": "Dera",
"given_name": "Przemyslaw",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8845-8766"
},
{
"family_name": "Berger",
"given_name": "Jeffrey",
"orcid": "0000-0002-0380-4683"
},
{
"family_name": "Thompson",
"given_name": "Lucy",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5444-952X"
},
{
"family_name": "Gellert",
"given_name": "Ralf",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7928-834X"
},
{
"family_name": "McAdam",
"given_name": "Amy"
},
{
"family_name": "O'Connell-Cooper",
"given_name": "Catherine",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4561-3663"
},
{
"family_name": "Sutter",
"given_name": "Brad",
"orcid": "0000-0002-3036-170X"
},
{
"family_name": "Morookian",
"given_name": "John Michael",
"clpid": "Morookian-John-Michael"
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "Abigail",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Grotzinger",
"given_name": "John",
"orcid": "0000-0001-9324-1257",
"clpid": "Grotzinger-J-P"
},
{
"family_name": "Siebach",
"given_name": "Kirsten",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6628-6297"
},
{
"family_name": "Madsen",
"given_name": "Soren",
"orcid": "0000-0001-7605-1072",
"clpid": "Madsen-Soren"
},
{
"family_name": "Vasavada",
"given_name": "Ashwin",
"orcid": "0000-0003-2665-286X",
"clpid": "Vasavada-Ashwin"
}
],
"abstract": "For more than a decade, the CheMin X-ray diffraction instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, has been returning definitive and quantitative mineralogical and mineral–chemistry data from ~3.5-billion-year-old (Ga) sediments in Gale crater, Mars. To date, 40 drilled rock samples and three scooped soil samples have been analyzed during the rover's 30+ km transit. These samples document the mineralogy of over 800 m of flat-lying fluvial, lacustrine, and aeolian sedimentary rocks that comprise the lower strata of the central mound of Gale crater (Aeolis Mons, informally known as Mt. Sharp) and the surrounding plains (Aeolis Palus, informally known as the Bradbury Rise). The principal mineralogy of the sedimentary rocks is of basaltic composition, with evidence of post-depositional diagenetic overprinting. The rocks in many cases preserve much of their primary mineralogy and sedimentary features, suggesting that they were never strongly heated or deformed. Using aeolian soil composition as a proxy for the composition of the deposited and lithified sediment, it appears that, in many cases, the diagenetic changes observed are principally isochemical. Exceptions to this trend include secondary nodules, calcium sulfate veining, and rare Si-rich alteration halos. A surprising and yet poorly understood observation is that nearly all of the ~3.5 Ga sedimentary rocks analyzed to date contain 15–70 wt.% of X-ray amorphous material. Overall, this >800 m section of sedimentary rock explored in lower Mt. Sharp documents a perennial shallow lake environment grading upward into alternating lacustrine/fluvial and aeolian environments, many of which would have been habitable to microbial life.
",
"doi": "10.3390/min14060568",
"issn": "2075-163X",
"publisher": "MDPI AG",
"publication": "Minerals",
"publication_date": "2024-06",
"series_number": "6",
"volume": "14",
"issue": "6",
"pages": "568"
},
{
"id": "authors:r0s4e-x4p68",
"collection": "authors",
"collection_id": "r0s4e-x4p68",
"cite_using_url": "https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/r0s4e-x4p68",
"type": "article",
"title": "Prebiotic reactions in a Mars analog iron mineral system: Effects of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia on amino acid formation",
"author": [
{
"family_name": "Barge",
"given_name": "Laura M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-2187-540X",
"clpid": "Barge-Laura-M"
},
{
"family_name": "Flores",
"given_name": "Erika",
"orcid": "0000-0003-0985-7564",
"clpid": "Flores-Erika"
},
{
"family_name": "Weber",
"given_name": "Jessica M.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-8434-0066",
"clpid": "Weber-Jessica-M"
},
{
"family_name": "Fraeman",
"given_name": "Abigail A.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-4017-5158",
"clpid": "Fraeman-A-A"
},
{
"family_name": "Yung",
"given_name": "Yuk L.",
"orcid": "0000-0002-4263-2562",
"clpid": "Yung-Y-L"
},
{
"family_name": "VanderVelde",
"given_name": "David",
"orcid": "0000-0002-2907-0366",
"clpid": "VanderVelde-David"
},
{
"family_name": "Martinez",
"given_name": "Eduardo",
"orcid": "0009-0007-4222-0334",
"clpid": "Martinez-Eduardo"
},
{
"family_name": "Castonguay",
"given_name": "Amalia",
"orcid": "0000-0002-6358-1784"
},
{
"family_name": "Billings",
"given_name": "Keith",
"orcid": "0000-0002-5383-416X",
"clpid": "Billings-Keith"
},
{
"family_name": "Baum",
"given_name": "Marc M.",
"orcid": "0000-0003-1558-5649"
}
],
"abstract": "\n
\n
\n
Iron minerals are highly reactive drivers of abiotic/prebiotic organic chemistry, and in the presence of ammonia (NH3/NH4+) or other reduced nitrogen (N) compounds, have been shown to promote amino acid synthesis from organic precursors. On early Mars, oxidized nitrogen species (NOx−) such as NO3− and/or NO2− may have been present, which could be reduced by Fe(II) to form various species including N2O and/or NH3/NH4+. The production of NH3/NH4+ from Fe(II)-driven NO3− or NO2− reduction may be able to feed into prebiotic organic reactions including amino acid formation. In this study, we tested whether iron mineral-driven reduction of NO3− or NO2− could provide a source of NH3/NH4+ to form amino acids from two prebiotically relevant precursors (pyruvate and glyoxylate); or, whether an exogeneous source of NH3/NH4+ would be required. We observed that pyruvate and glyoxylate reacted with Fe-oxyhydroxide minerals in NOx−-containing experiments to form reduced hydroxy acid products; and in experiments containing only NH3/NH4+, amino acids were also formed. However, significant amino acid formation was not observed in any experiments containing NO3− or NO2− unless sufficient NH4+ was also added; furthermore, colorimetric analysis did not show any generation of NH4+ from NO3−/NO2− reduction at these conditions. NO2− was observed to be highly reactive with Fe2+ and Fe(II)-bearing minerals, resulting in Fe oxidation during mineral precipitation and the formation of oxidized mineral phases (hematite). The Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio in oxyhydroxide minerals is an important parameter for determining organic product distributions from pyruvate and glyoxylate; therefore, Fe-mediated NOx− reduction does impact organic chemistry. However, amino acid formation, at least under these conditions, would also require an exogenous source of NH3/NH4+ or other reduced N species. These results have implications for organic-N chemistry on early Mars, as well as for some early Earth origin of life scenarios regarding organic synthesis in mineral-containing systems.
\n
\n
\n