Ancient impact and aqueous processes at Endeavour Crater, Mars
January 1, 2012
The rover Opportunity has investigated the rim of Endeavour Crater, a large ancient impact crater on Mars. Basaltic breccias produced by the impact form the rim deposits, with stratigraphy similar to that observed at similar-sized craters on Earth. Highly localized zinc enrichments in some breccia materials suggest hydrothermal alteration of rim deposits. Gypsum-rich veins cut sedimentary rocks adjacent to the crater rim. The gypsum was precipitated from low-temperature aqueous fluids flowing upward from the ancient materials of the rim, leading temporarily to potentially habitable conditions and providing some of the waters involved in formation of the ubiquitous sulfate-rich sandstones of the Meridiani region.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ancient impact and aqueous processes at Endeavour Crater, Mars |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.1220476 |
| Authors | S. W. Squyres, R. E. Arvidson, J.F. Bell, F.J. Calef, B. C. Clark, B. A. Cohen, L.A. Crumpler, P. A. de Souza, W. H. Farrand, Ralf Gellert, J. Grant, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, J.A. Hurowitz, J. R. Johnson, B.L. Jolliff, A.H. Knoll, R. Li, S. M. McLennan, D. W. Ming, D. W. Mittlefehldt, T. J. Parker, G. Paulsen, M.S. Rice, S. W. Ruff, C. Schröder, A. S. Yen, K. Zacny |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Science |
| Index ID | 70047182 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Astrogeology Science Center |