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Iron Redox Systematics of Martian MagmasMartian magmas are known to be FeO-rich and the dominant FeO-bearing mineral at many sites visited by the Mars Exploration rovers (MER) is magnetite [1]. Morris et al. [1] propose that the magnetite appears to be igneous in origin, rather than of secondary origin. However, magnetite is not typically found in experimental studies of martian magmatic rocks [2,3]. Magnetite stability in terrestrial magmas is well understood, as are the stability of FeO and Fe2O3 in terrestrial magmas [4,5]. In order to better understand the variation of FeO and Fe2O3, and the stability of magnetite (and other FeO-bearing phases) in martian magmas we have undertaken an experimental study with two emphases. First we document the stability of magnetite with temperature and fO2 in a shergottite bulk composition. Second, we determine the FeO and Fe2O3 contents of the same shergottite bulk composition at 1 bar and variable fO2 at 1250 C, and at variable pressure. These two goals will help define not only magnetite stability, but pyroxene-melt equilibria that are also dependent upon fO2.
Document ID
20110022974
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Righter, K.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Danielson, L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Martin, A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Pando, K.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Sutton, S.
(Chicago Univ. IL, United States)
Newville, M.
(Chicago Univ. IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
November 17, 2011
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-24912
Meeting Information
Meeting: 34th Symposium on Antarctic Meteorites
Location: Tokyo
Country: Japan
Start Date: November 17, 2011
End Date: November 18, 2011
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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