Weathering on Mars and Australian Analogues: Developing Suitable Chronological Tools and Theoretical Approaches (2006-2008)
Abstract
Advances in weathering geochronology spearheaded by UQ researchers and the recent confirmation of minerals precipitated by rock-water interaction on Mars (hematite, jarosite, and goethite) place Australia in a unique position to play a prominent role in unraveling the chronology of Mars surficial deposits and their possible relation to life on Mars. We propose to develop new geochronological tools to the study of weathering processes, particularly on minerals likely to exist on Mars, and to apply these techniques to Australian weathering profiles, which, based on their longevity, mineralogy, and landscape distribution, may be considered the closest Earth analogues to martian weathering profiles and sedimentary deposits.
