Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Michael W. R. Volk, Roger R. Fu, Anna Mittelholz, James M. D. Day
Summary: The strength and duration of the martian dynamo are crucial for understanding Mars' habitability and deep interior dynamics. Recent data from the InSight mission show stronger than predicted crustal fields, which can be explained by an older subsurface magnetized layer without a late, active dynamo, supporting a deeply buried, highly magnetized crust in the northern hemisphere of Mars. These findings provide corroborating evidence for the existence of strong, small-scale crustal fields on Mars.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Virgile Malarewicz, Olivier Beyssac, Brigitte Zanda, Roger Hewins, Sylvain Pont, Sylvain Bouley, Sylvain Bernard, Michel Gauthier, Marc Morand, Yiuri Garino, Philippe Rosier
Summary: Using Raman spectroscopy, the mineralogy of the NWA 7533 meteorite, a Martian regolith breccia, is investigated and characterized. This meteorite provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the primitive Martian crust. The Raman spectra of various minerals are analyzed, and the variability of silicate mineral composition is traced through microanalysis. The presence of luminescent minerals bearing rare earth elements is documented and discussed, with implications for magmatic petrology. This spectral dataset can serve as a reference for future Raman instruments exploring Mars or its moon Phobos.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lang Qin, Xing Wu, Liying Huang, Yang Liu, Yongliao Zou
Summary: This study conducted spectroscopic investigation and petrographic study on lunar Mg-suite meteorite Northwest Africa 8687, successfully classifying the sample as a pink spinel-bearing anorthositic norite and providing important ground-truth information for future exploration. The results suggest that the VNIR technique has the potential to identify highland rock types by mineral modal abundance and can be applied in the primary examination of extraterrestrial samples.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ting Zhang, Sen Hu, Nian Wang, Yangting Lin, Lixin Gu, Xu Tang, Xinyu Zou, Mingming Zhang
Summary: Ringwoodite and wadsleyite are high-pressure polymorphs of olivine commonly found in shocked meteorites. NWA 8705 contains four occurrences of ringwoodite with different characteristics, likely formed due to rapid cooling rates, while the higher Fa-content of the host olivine prolongs the olivine-ringwoodite transformation to a lower pressure.
EARTH PLANETS AND SPACE
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yunhua Wu, Weibiao Hsu, Shiyong Liao, Zhiyong Xiao, Xiaochao Che, Lili Pan, Ye Li, Shaolin Li
Summary: NWA 13581 is a newly found gabbroic rock on Mars, providing important insights into the mantle sources and magmatic evolution of shergottites. It shares similar characteristics with other enriched shergottites, suggesting a common process in their mantle reservoir and during crystallization. The textural and mineralogical diversities of shergottites are largely related to crystallization at different crustal levels.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marina Martinez, Charles K. Shearer, Adrian J. Brearley
Summary: The discovery of the first melt inclusion in a martian apatite containing chloroamphibole demonstrates the presence of a Cl-rich exogenous component in the nakhlite parent melt, providing insights into the volatile abundances in magmas.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Leire Coloma, Cristina Garcia-Florentino, Jennifer Huidobro, Imanol Torre-Fdez, Julene Aramendia, Gorka Arana, Kepa Castro, Juan Manuel Madariaga
Summary: This study presents a non-destructive analytical methodology for characterizing Martian samples and tested it on a fragment of the Northwest Africa 1950 Martian meteorite. The methodology provides mineralogical characterization of the samples and allows assessment of chemical transformations, contributing important clues to understanding mineral processes and geological evolution on Mars.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Yang Liu, Woodward W. Fischer, Chi Ma, John R. Beckett, Oliver Tschauner, Yunbin Guan, Usha F. Lingappa, Samuel M. Webb, Vitali B. Prakapenka, Nina L. Lanza, Carl B. Agee
Summary: The study reports the discovery of indigenous Mn-oxides in Martian regolith breccias, indicating potential water-rock interaction on the Martian surface with high redox potential. These Mn-oxides occur as nanocrystals mixed with silicates, FeOOH, and possible phosphates, suggesting a common weathering product on Mars.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zilong Wang, Wei Tian, Yankun Di
Summary: Newly analyzed titanomagnetite-ilmenite intergrowths from Martian nakhlite meteorite NWA 5790 showed higher crystallization temperature and oxygen fugacity compared to previous estimates. By modeling the sulfur degassing process, it was found that sulfur-rich Martian lava flows degassed sulfur species at specific final degassing pressures, which align with estimates of Martian nakhlite burial depth and excavation depth based on impact craters. This fO(2)-controlled sulfur degassing pressure method may be useful for estimating the burial depth of sulfur-rich lava flows on Mars.
EARTH PLANETS AND SPACE
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
R. H. Hewins, P-M Zanetta, B. Zanda, C. Le Guillou, J. Gattacceca, C. Sognzoni, S. Pont, L. Piani, T. Rigaudier, H. Leroux, R. Brunetto, R. Maupin, Z. Djouadi, S. Bernard, D. Deldicque, V Malarewicz, Z. Dionnet, A. Aleon-Toppani, A. King, F. Borondics
Summary: NWA 12563, a newly discovered asteroid with affinities to C2 chondrites, presents similarities to a group of ungrouped chondrites rich in magnetite and O-18, distinct from CM2 chondrites. Its unique mineralogical, chemical and isotopic properties suggest a different parent body compared to other chondrites.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Hongyi Chen, Lanfang Xie, Qiao Shu, Bingkui Miao
Summary: The Mg-spinel-bearing rocks are important components of the lunar crust and provide valuable information about the early interaction between the crust and mantle. This study analyzes Mg-spinel and magma melt inclusions in the lunar meteorite Northwest Africa 12279, and reveals the process of rock formation, shedding light on the lunar rock evolution.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bidong Zhang, Nancy L. Chabot, Alan E. Rubin, Munir Humayun, Joseph S. Boesenberg, Deon Van Niekerk
Summary: Group IIIF is a magmatic iron-meteorite group characterized by similar Ga and Ge abundances, high Ga/Ge ratios, and interelement trends similar to IIIAB irons. Recent isotopic data suggest a carbonaceous-chondrite (CC) origin for three members of this group. In this study, the elemental chemistry of IIIF irons was analyzed, and a fractional-crystallization model was used to understand their crystallization history. The model failed to explain the observed fractionation trends for key elements such as Co, Ga, and Ge. Additionally, IIIF irons exhibited a wide range of Co variation and diverse structural classes compared to other magmatic iron groups. The study also explored the potential genetic relationship between the IIIF irons and the Zinder and Northwest Africa (NWA) 1911 pyroxene-bearing pallasites based on similar Ga and Ge contents. Further isotopic measurements are required to confirm this relationship.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Itziar Prieto-delaVega, Cristina Garcia-Florentino, Imanol Torre-Fdez, Jennifer Huidobro, Julene Aramendia, Gorka Arana, Kepa Castro, Juan Manuel Madariaga
Summary: This study characterized the mineral phases of NWA 10628 using micro-Raman spectroscopy and micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence imaging. Various minerals and their potential evolutionary processes were identified in the meteorite.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Leanne G. Staddon, James R. Darling, Winfried H. Schwarz, Natasha R. Stephen, Sheila Schuindt, Joseph Dunlop, Kimberly T. Tait
Summary: Baddeleyite, a widespread accessory phase in shergottites, is commonly used as a geochronometer within highly shocked lithologies. Studies show that there is no clear link between the microstructure of baddeleyite and its U-Pb isotopic composition, while high post-shock temperatures have a significant impact on lead mobility within the mineral. The research provides new insights into the absolute chronology of martian meteorites and other shocked planetary materials through microstructurally constrained in-situ U-Pb analyses of baddeleyite.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Haijun Cao, Jian Chen, Xiaohui Fu, Yanqing Xin, Xiaobin Qi, Erbin Shi, Zongcheng Ling
Summary: Petrological and mineralogical analyses of NWA 10720 indicate that this Martian nakhlite has experienced complex magmatic activity before eruption, with two-stage magmatism being evident. The presence of secondary mineral assemblages such as iddingsite-like veins and various Fe-oxide species suggests late-stage alteration dominated by oxidization and dehydration.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Kamila G. Fernandes, Roberto P. Xavier, Carolina P. N. Moreto, Gustavo H. C. Melo, Adrian J. Boyce
Summary: The Alvo Acai Cu (Au, Mo) skarn deposit is part of poorly explored copper deposits in the western sector of the Carajas province in Brazil. It is characterized by a 2.86 Ga metasyenogranitic basement and a 2.71 Ga quartzite, with a sequence of hydrothermal alteration including calcic-sodic alteration, potassic iron alteration, silicification, prograde and retrograde skarn stages. The main stage of copper mineralization is spatially and temporally related to the retrograde skarn alteration, with various chalcopyrite-bearing mineral assemblages.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Sammy Griffin, Arya Udry, Luke Daly, Lucy Victoria Forman, Martin R. Lee, Benjamin E. Cohen
Summary: In order to understand volcanism on other planetary bodies, quantification of physical processes is necessary. This study investigates the petrogenesis of Martian Yamato nakhlites through quantitative analysis of augite phenocrysts. The results show continuous growth of augite with minimum magma chamber residence times of 88-117 +/- 6 yr or 9-12 yr. The Yamato nakhlites are suggested to have formed as low-viscosity lava flows or sills on Mars.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fred Jourdan, Nicholas E. Timms, Tomoki Nakamura, William D. A. Rickard, Celia Mayers, Steven M. Reddy, David Saxey, Luke Daly, Phil A. Bland, Ela Eroglu, Denis Fougerouse
Summary: Rubble pile asteroids, made up of reassembled fragments, are more abundant than previously believed and can withstand bombardment in the solar system for extremely long periods. By analyzing samples from asteroid 25143 Itokawa, researchers found that the rubble pile structure formed at least 4.2 billion years ago and could provide valuable insights for developing strategies to prevent asteroid collisions with Earth.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Cole A. McCormick, Hilary Corlett, Matthieu Clog, Adrian J. Boyce, Romain Tartese, Matthew Steele-MacInnis, Cathy Hollis
Summary: Structurally controlled dolomitization involves the interaction of high-pressure, high-temperature fluids with the surrounding host rock, resulting in the formation of hydrothermal dolomite bodies with specific textures. These textures are influenced by various sedimentological, tectonic, and metasomatic processes that are spatially and temporally variable. The formation of these textures is associated with dilatational fracturing, brecciation, and precipitation of saddle dolomite, with significant recrystallization occurring later. These textures provide valuable information on fluid flux and carbonate metasomatism under elevated P/T conditions, as they are closely related to faults and carbonate-hosted ore deposits.
Article
Energy & Fuels
David B. Walls, Adrian J. Boyce, David Banks, Neil M. Burnside
Summary: Stable isotopic compositions of δ18O, δ2H, and dissolved sulfate δ34S in water from abandoned and flooded coal mines were analyzed to investigate the origin and history of the water and solutes. The isotopic ratios of mine water were compared with those of unmined strata and sulfide-bearing minerals in host sedimentary rocks and local evaporite. The results indicate a meteoric origin for the coal mine waters and suggest a complex origin for the dissolved sulfate in the mine water, potentially involving processes such as evaporite dissolution, microbial sulfate reduction, and mixing with saline formation waters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Laura E. E. Jenkins, Martin R. R. Lee, Luke Daly, Ashley J. J. King, Cameron J. J. Floyd, Pierre-Etienne Martin, Natasha V. V. Almeida, Matthew J. J. Genge
Summary: Winchcombe is a CM chondrite that fell in England on February 28, 2021. Terrestrial phases such as calcite, calcium sulfates, and halite were observed within two polished sections of the meteorite. These terrestrial phases were formed after the meteorite fell and were influenced by the damp environment and laboratory conditions.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Martin R. Lee, Cameron Floyd, Pierre-Etienne Martin, Xuchao Zhao, Ian A. Franchi, Laura Jenkins, Sammy Griffin
Summary: LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02239 is a CM2 carbonaceous chondrite with mild aqueous alteration, containing xenoliths from a primitive chondritic parent body. The xenoliths consist of chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) in a fine-grained matrix. The mineralogy and oxygen isotopic composition of the chondrules and CAIs are similar to those in the CMs, indicating a common origin.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Toby J. Boocock, Sami Mikhail, Adrian J. Boyce, Julie Prytulak, Paul S. Savage, Eva E. Stueken
Summary: Geochemical analyses of igneous rocks from the Hekla volcanic system in Iceland suggest that the formation of continental crust has trapped significant amounts of magmatic nitrogen over Earth's history. Identifying the sources of crustal nitrogen is important for accurately reconstructing Earth's atmospheric pressure and habitability over geologic timescales. The findings indicate that nitrogen in the continental crust is of magmatic origin and suggest that the degassing of nitrogen from Earth's interior to the atmosphere may have been previously overestimated.
Article
Geology
E. A. Heptinstall, J. Parnell, A. J. Boyce, J. W. Still
Summary: Fenitized rocks near the Great Glen Fault in Scotland contain calcite veins with mineral inclusions, including rare earth vanadate wakefieldite, sulfur-rich monazite, scandium-rich ilmenite, and manganese oxides rich in barium and lead. The presence of these phases, along with the carbon isotope composition and high levels of manganese and strontium, suggests that Scotland's northwestern region was influenced by carbonatite-related fluids during the Caledonian Orogeny.
SCOTTISH JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geology
D. B. Walls, D. Banks, A. J. Boyce, D. H. Townsend, N. M. Burnside
Summary: The potential of mine water geothermal energy for decarbonizing heating and cooling in the UK has generated national interest and the development of new projects. This study used ground investigation techniques coupled with mine water geothermal exploration to assess ground stability and seasonal hydrogeology and geochemistry of mine water. Drilling operations in Scotland encountered varying conditions of mined coal seams, reflecting the different mining techniques used historically. It was found that accessing deeper unworked seams can save time and resources spent on grouting casing through worked seams. The study also monitored changes in chemical composition and water levels over a year, finding seasonal variations in mine water heads and discharge flow rates, with increased pyrite oxidation during lower water levels.
SCOTTISH JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Paolo Fulignati, Adrian J. Boyce
Summary: This study provides the first calculated values of oxygen and hydrogen isotope composition of the brines from the peripheral margin of the active magma chamber that fed the AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius. The exsolved fluids showed a constant δ^18O composition and variable δD composition, with a general decrease in δD while δ^18O remained nearly constant. The progressive fluid exsolution at the upper peripheral parts of the magma chamber may explain this isotopic path. The evaluation of the stable isotope composition of the fluids exsolved from the AD 79 magma chamber is crucial for the monitoring and interpretation of the volcano's geochemical activity.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Veronica Bouhier, Marta Franchini, Fernando Tornos, Ana L. Rainoldi, Patricia Patrier, Daniel Beaufort, Adrian J. Boyce, Warren Pratt, Agnes Impiccini
Summary: Loma Galena is a polymetallic epithermal deposit located in the Canadon Asfalto continental foreland basin in northern Patagonia, Argentina. The mineralization occurs in organic-rich sedimentary rocks and is associated with faults, volcanic rocks, and sedimentary rocks. The earliest hydrothermal minerals are calcite and siderite veins. Subsequent mineralizing events led to the deposition of various ore minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. The unique sublacustrine anoxic environment of Loma Galena contributed to the efficient deposition and preservation of the Ag-bearing sulfides.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Martin R. Lee, Lydia J. Hallis, Luke Daly, Adrian J. Boyce
Summary: CM carbonaceous chondrites can be used to study the water content and isotopic composition of C-complex asteroids. Previous research has shown that CM chondrites have higher water content, possibly due to contamination on Earth. This study measured the concentration and isotopic composition of terrestrial and indigenous water in CM falls using stepwise pyrolysis, and found that the falls are rapidly contaminated upon exposure to Earth's atmosphere. However, the amount of water added does not increase over time. The petrologic types of CM chondrites strongly influence their ability to acquire terrestrial water.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
