Exploring Mineral Compositions in Martian Dune Fields Using Thermal Infrared Observations
Utilizing thermal infrared observations, this study by Savannah Bachman under Dr. Timothy Titus investigates the mineral compositions of dune fields on Mars to determine if the sediment originated from a localized source. Detailed analysis of mineral spectra, spectral libraries, and comparative studies reveal key insights into the mineral abundances in different dune regions, with a focus on key minerals like Olivine, Anorthoclase, Microcline, and more. The research highlights the significance of thermal emissions and spectral analysis in understanding Martian geology.
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Presentation Transcript
By Savannah Bachman Mentor: Dr. Timothy Titus Universe and planets
Minerals on Dunes I used thermal infrared observations to determine mineral compositions of six dune fields and their surroundings. Based off composition of sediment found in the dune and the surroundings, I tested the hypothesis that the sediment came from a localized source.
Outline I. Thermal emissions and how to interpret the spectra II. Processes used to collect data I. JMARS II. TES III.Speclib III.Analysis I. DaVinci II. Mineral composition comparisons IV.Conclusion
How Spectra works Emits thermal radiance Sun TES Rock Radiates heat Stores heat energy Collects mineral spectrum Wavelength Anorthoclase Olivine Fo35 Emissivity Wavenumber cm-1
Mineral Spectral Library For this Study Individual spectra for minerals found on Mars
Java Mission-Planning and Analysis for Remote Sensing Home 180 0 -180 60 0 -60 USGS Dune Database Dune Selection 6 dunes total Large dunes Within equatorial region Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) spectra
Off the Dune: North JMARS&TES Dune ID: 3124-080 CO2 On Dune Off Dune: South Located: (311.625 E, -7.875)
DaVinci Comparison of mineral abundances 30 On the Dune 25 20 Off the Dune North 15 10 Off the Dune South 5 0
Mineral Composition Comparison Off the Dune North Off the Dune South On the Dune Olivine Fo35 36.01 38.85 36.21 Microcline 18.7 19.93 18.53 Anorthoclase 12.26 13.11 11.91 Andesine 11.92 8.91 10.97 Diopside 10.68 7.14 12.59 Enstatite 7.4 8.36 7.24 Quartz 2.95 3.7
Analysis of Mineral Abundance Three dune fields contain almost no variance in mineral abundance from their surroundings Two dune fields contain different amounts of olivine and anorthoclase One dune field contains different amounts of anorthoclase
Analysis On Dune 50 Dune 1 On 40 Dune 2 On Local Dune 3 On 30 Olivine Fo35 Dune 4 On (Point %) Local 20 Dune 5 On Local 10 Dune 6 On Non-Local 0 Undetermined -10 -5 5 15 25 35 45 55 65 Anorthoclase (Point %)
Four dune fields have similar mineral amounts to their surroundings which is indicative of a local sediment source Two dune fields have different mineral amounts when compared to their surroundings which may suggest a non- localized source
Acknowledgments Dr. Timothy Titus Chris Edwards, ASU Christopher Mount, NAU Rose Hayward ASU NASA Space Grant Thank you.
