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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Geology

2013

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Mars

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

New Mineralogical And Geochemical Characterization Of Martian Meteorites: Implications For Habitability And Astrobiological Exploration Of Mars, Jared N. Shivak Aug 2013

New Mineralogical And Geochemical Characterization Of Martian Meteorites: Implications For Habitability And Astrobiological Exploration Of Mars, Jared N. Shivak

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Mars is thought to have shared many similarities with the Earth during its history, leading to extensive research into the potential for life to arise on Mars. Here, a thorough mineralogical and geochemical characterization of primary and secondary phases in Martian meteorites Los Angeles, Zagami, and Nakhla was performed. This novel approach assesses their potential to host life and build on previous studies that focused on either astrobiological or geological factors. These meteorites were found to contain abundant iron-rich phases that can act as microbial substrates. Investigation of alteration phases in Nakhla allowed for the identification of a new secondary …


The Periglacial Landscape Of Utopia Planitia; Geologic Evidence For Recent Climate Change On Mars., Mary C. Kerrigan Jan 2013

The Periglacial Landscape Of Utopia Planitia; Geologic Evidence For Recent Climate Change On Mars., Mary C. Kerrigan

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The northern plains of Utopia Planitia, Mars, hosts an abundance of potential periglacial landforms including scalloped depressions, gullies, and polygon networks. This research was undertaken to investigate the distribution and stratigraphy of scalloped depressions in Utopia Planitia and to reconstruct the past environment in which this periglacial landscape formed. To that end, a revised geologic map of the region has been produced. We define, for the first time, a new Periglacial Unit, the youngest geologic unit in Utopia Planitia. We have also developed a model for the formation and evolution of the periglacial landscape examined by assessing the use of …