Title
Silica deposits in the Nili Patera caldera on the Syrtis Major volcanic complex on Mars
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2010
Abstract
The martian surface features abundant volcanoes and evidence for past liquid water. Extant or relict martian volcanic hydrothermal systems have therefore been sought in the pursuit of evidence for habitable environments . The Mars Exploration Rover, Spirit, detected deposits highly enriched in silica with accessory minerals, suggesting formation by hydrothermal leaching of basaltic rocks by low-pH solutions . However, extensive erosion has obscured the context of the formation environment of these deposits. Silica deposits have also been identified remotely, but also with limited contextual clues to their formation; aqueous alteration products of basalt and volcanic ash are the most likely sources . Here we report the detection from orbit of hydrated silica deposits on the flanks of a volcanic cone in the martian Syrtis Major caldera complex. Near-infrared observations show dozens of localized hydrated silica deposits. As a result of the morphology of these deposits and their location in and around the cone summit, we suggest that the deposits were produced by a volcanically driven hydrothermal system. The cone and associated lava flows post-date Early Hesperian volcano formation. We conclude that, if a relict hydrothermal system was associated with the silica deposits, it may preserve one of the most recent habitable microenvironments on Mars. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved. 1 2 3,4
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Nature Geoscience
First Page
838
Last Page
841
Recommended Citation
Skok, J., Mustard, J., Ehlmann, B., Milliken, R., & Murchie, S. (2010). Silica deposits in the Nili Patera caldera on the Syrtis Major volcanic complex on Mars. Nature Geoscience, 3 (12), 838-841. https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo990