Elemental composition and chemical evolution of geologic materials in
Gale crater, Mars: APXS results from Bradbury Landing to the Vera Rubin
Ridge
Abstract
The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the rover, , has
analyzed the composition of geologic materials along a
>20-kilometer traverse in Gale crater on Mars. The APXS
dataset after 6.5 Earth years (2301 sols) includes 712 analyses of soil,
sand, float, bedrock, and drilled/scooped fines. We present the APXS
results over this duration and provide stratigraphic context for each
target. We identify the best APXS analysis of each of the 22 drilled and
scooped samples that were delivered to the instruments CheMin (X-ray
diffractometer) and SAM (mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph) during
this period. The APXS results demonstrate that the basaltic and alkalic
units in the Bradbury group (sols 0-750) show minimal alteration
indicating an arid climate. In contrast, the Murray formation of the
Mount Sharp group (sols ~750-2301) has compositions
indicating pervasive alteration. Diagenetic features are common and show
fluid interaction with the sediment after (and possibly during)
lithification, which is consistent with burial and diagenesis. A
lithified sandstone unit, the Stimson formation, overlies part of the
Murray formation. This has a composition similar to the basaltic sand
and soil, suggesting a shared source. Cross-cutting, fracture-associated
haloes are evidence of late-stage fluid alteration after lithification
of the sediment. The APXS dataset, evaluated in concert with the full
science payload of , indicates that Gale crater was habitable, and that
liquid water was stable for extended periods.