Clay on Mars, Volume Twelve delves into the latest advancements in the exploration and characterization of Martian clay. Edited by a team of experts, the book compiles contributions from leading researchers in the field. It begins with introductory content, followed by a detailed examination of remote sensing instruments and in situ analyses from probes and rovers. The initial chapters discuss lithologic and textural context, clay stratigraphy, and other fundamental aspects. The book also explores clay from various sources, including impact craters, lakes, seas, and hydrothermal origins.
In addition, it covers detailed examinations of surface alteration, diagenesis, mixed-layer clay minerals, and the potential for astrobiology. The book concludes with intriguing chapters on clays in meteorites and their potential as a natural resource for human missions on Mars, making it a valuable resource for mineralogists and geologists.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Mars2. Geologic context of clays on Mars
3. Remote sensing instruments used in the investigation of clays on Mars
4. In situ analysis from probes and rovers
5. Lithologic and textural context of clays inferred from remote sensing
6. Clay stratigraphy
7. Clays from impact craters
8. Clays from lakes and seas
9. Clays of apparent hydrothermal origin.
10. Surface alteration. Possible origins of proto-clays
11. Diagenesis and burial
12. Mixed-layered clay minerals on Mars
13. Clays in martian meteorites
14. Clays and Martian astrobiology
15. Clays and natural resources for human missions on Mars
16. Future directions
