Understanding Mg-sulfate distribution, hydration state, and crystallinity in Mt. Sharp

I am using a combination of orbital and in situ data to determine the distribution, hydration state, geologic setting, and formation processes of crystalline and X-ray amorphous Mg sulfates (MGS) at a variety of spatial scales in the upper strata of Mt. Sharp. This will inform when and where MGS formation occurred and where it might have been dissolved and reprecipitated by post-depositional diagenetic fluid flow. We will draw conclusions about the variability in aqueous conditions in Gale crater through time and space, with implications for habitability and martian climate evolution.

The Science Objective of this proposal is to determine how Gale crater MGS deposits formed and have been altered. The objective contributes to a higher-level goal of reconstructing regional and global martian climate, which is significant to MSL’s objectives (see also section 1.1.3). The formation and alteration mechanisms affecting MGS on Mars are not well understood, and this is the first time such deposits will be examined in situ. This Science Objective will be addressed using four Tasks (Table 1; Section 1.3). Task 1: Undertake orbital spectral mapping of MGS using CRISM data. Task 2: Document the geologic setting of MGS in situ. Task 3: Document the chemistry, hydration state, and crystallinity of MGS in situ. Task 4: Synthesize results into an updated model of Gale crater aqueous conditions through time and space. This proposed work will place MGS observations in their stratigraphic context and determine fluid conditions through time and space at Gale crater.