Seminar of Janice Bishop

Abstract:

Investigation of minerals on Mars provides an opportunity to evaluate the geochemical environments in which they formed. The CRISM imaging spectrometer collected near complete global coverage at lower resolution plus thousands of higher resolution targeted images across the planet that have revolutionized our understanding of the surface mineralogy and geochemical evolution of Mars. Comparing changes in alteration mineral assemblages on Mars with observations from the field and lab provides information about changes in mineralogy on Mars as well as transitions in the early martian environment and climate. Recent investigations by the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers have revealed small outcrops of unique minerals that extend our understanding of the mineralogy determined from orbit. In particular, evidence of redox reactions on Mars point towards intriguing chemical reactions that could have played a role in prebiotic chemistry essential for life.