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Classification Scheme for Diverse Sedimentary and Igneous Rocks Encountered by MSL in Gale CraterThe Curiosity Rover landed in a lithologically and geochemically diverse region of Mars. We present a recommended rock classification framework based on terrestrial schemes, and adapted for the imaging and analytical capabilities of MSL as well as for rock types distinctive to Mars (e.g., high Fe sediments). After interpreting rock origin from textures, i.e., sedimentary (clastic, bedded), igneous (porphyritic, glassy), or unknown, the overall classification procedure (Fig 1) involves: (1) the characterization of rock type according to grain size and texture; (2) the assignment of geochemical modifiers according to Figs 3 and 4; and if applicable, in depth study of (3) mineralogy and (4) geologic/stratigraphic context. Sedimentary rock types are assigned by measuring grains in the best available resolution image (Table 1) and classifying according to the coarsest resolvable grains as conglomerate/breccia, (coarse, medium, or fine) sandstone, silt-stone, or mudstone. If grains are not resolvable in MAHLI images, grains in the rock are assumed to be silt sized or smaller than surface dust particles. Rocks with low color contrast contrast between grains (e.g., Dismal Lakes, sol 304) are classified according to minimum size of apparent grains from surface roughness or shadows outlining apparent grains. Igneous rocks are described as intrusive or extrusive depending on crystal size and fabric. Igneous textures may be described as granular, porphyritic, phaneritic, aphyric, or glassy depending on crystal size. Further descriptors may include terms such as vesicular or cumulate textures.
Document ID
20150002921
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Schmidt, M. E.
(Brock Univ. Saint Catherines, Ontario, Canada)
Mangold, N.
(Nantes Univ. France)
Fisk, M.
(Oregon State Univ. Corvallis, OR, United States)
Forni, O.
(Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planetologie (UMR) Toulouse, France)
McLennan, S.
(State Univ. of New York Stony Brook, NY, United States)
Ming, D. W.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Sumner, D.
(California Univ. Davis, CA, United States)
Sautter, V.
(National Museum of Natural History Paris, France)
Williams, A. J.
(Maryland Univ. Baltimore County Baltimore, MD, United States)
Gellert, R.
(Guelph Univ. Ontario, Canada)
Date Acquired
March 13, 2015
Publication Date
March 16, 2015
Subject Category
Geophysics
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-32866
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: March 16, 2015
End Date: March 20, 2015
Sponsors: Lunar and Planetary Inst.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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