Discovery of Olivine in the Nili Fossae Region of Mars
January 1, 2003
We have detected a 30,000-square-kilometer area rich in olivine in the Nili Fossae region of Mars. Nili Fossae has been interpreted as a complex of grabens and fractures related to the formation of the Isidis impact basin. We propose that post-impact faulting of this area has exposed subsurface layers rich in olivine. Linear mixture analysis of Thermal Emission Spectrometer spectra shows surface exposures of 30% olivine, where the composition of the olivine ranges from Fo30 to Fo70.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Title | Discovery of Olivine in the Nili Fossae Region of Mars |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.1089647 |
| Authors | T.M. Hoefen, R. N. Clark, J. L. Bandfield, M. D. Smith, J.C. Pearl, P. R. Christensen |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Science |
| Index ID | 70025525 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |