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. 2005 Mar 11;307(5715):1594-7.
doi: 10.1126/science.1109098. Epub 2005 Feb 17.

Olivine and pyroxene diversity in the crust of Mars

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Olivine and pyroxene diversity in the crust of Mars

J F Mustard et al. Science. .

Abstract

Data from the Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA) on the Mars Express spacecraft identify the distinct mafic, rock-forming minerals olivine, low-calcium pyroxene (LCP), and high-calcium pyroxene (HCP) on the surface of Mars. Olivine- and HCP-rich regions are found in deposits that span the age range of geologic units. However, LCP-rich regions are found only in the ancient Noachian-aged units, which suggests that melts for these deposits were derived from a mantle depleted in aluminum and calcium. Extended dark regions in the northern plains exhibit no evidence of strong mafic absorptions or absorptions due to hydrated materials.

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