Search Publications
Mid-infrared spectroscopy of crystalline plagioclase feldspar samples with various Al,Si order and implications for remote sensing of Mercury and other terrestrial Solar System objects
Hiesinger, Harald; Helbert, Jörn; Weber, Iris +4 more
We analyzed plagioclase feldspar samples that were well-characterized in terms of chemical composition as well as degree of Al,Si order in mid-infrared reflection spectra between 7 µm and 14 µm (1429 cm-1 and 714 cm-1). The chemical compositions were derived with an electron microprobe analyzer. To determine the d…
Space weathering by simulated micrometeorite bombardment on natural olivine and pyroxene: A coordinated IR and TEM study
Hiesinger, Harald; Helbert, Jörn; Weber, Iris +9 more
We studied space-weathering effects caused by micrometeorite bombardment simulated by pulsed intense infrared laser, generating ∼15 mJ per pulse in high vacuum. For our investigation, we selected a natural olivine (San Carlos olivine (Fo91)) and a natural pyroxene (Bamble orthopyroxene (En87)) as important rock forming minera…
Did Martian valley networks substantially modify the landscape?
Grau Galofre, Anna; Jellinek, A. Mark; Bahia, Rickbir Singh +2 more
Valley networks are ancient drainage systems incised on the southern hemisphere of Mars, and stand as evidence that liquid water once sculpted its surface. The duration of valley network activity and the sources of water are key questions in deciphering the timing of water stability on early Mars, but remain poorly constrained. In this study we ad…
Martian fan deposits: Insights on depositional processes and origin from mass balance survey
Hynek, Brian M.; Williams, Rebecca M. E.; Di Achille, Gaetano +2 more
Fan deposits located at the mouths of Martian valleys have been interpreted as indicators of wet conditions during Mars history. However, the processes, time and amount of water needed to carve the valleys and form the fans are still debated. Here we present a detailed morphometric and mass balance analysis of valleys and fan-shaped deposits using…
Recent seismicity in Valles Marineris, Mars: Insights from young faults, landslides, boulder falls and possible mud volcanoes
Platz, Thomas; Senthil Kumar, P.; Krishna, N. +3 more
Current seismicity of Mars is poorly known. Geodynamic models and analysis of surface faults indicate that Mars could be seismically active globally, particularly within the Tharsis region. However, published geologic constraints on such activity are sparse. In this study, we use geomorphologic observations and crater size-frequency age determinat…
Spectral behavior of sulfides in simulated daytime surface conditions of Mercury: Supporting past (MESSENGER) and future missions (BepiColombo)
Hiesinger, H.; Maturilli, A.; Helbert, J. +2 more
To detect the mineral diversity of a planet's surface, it is essential to study the spectral variations over a broad wavelength range at relevant simulated laboratory conditions. The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging) mission to Mercury discovered that irrespective of its formation closest to the Sun, Mercury…
Seismic signal from waves on Titan's seas
Lorenz, Ralph D.; Stähler, Simon C.; Panning, Mark P. +4 more
Seismology is the main tool for inferring the deep interior structures of Earth and potentially also of other planetary bodies in the solar system. Terrestrial seismology is influenced by the presence of the ocean-generated microseismic signal, which sets a lower limit on the earthquake detection capabilities but also provides a strong energy sour…
Cassini radar observation of Punga Mare and environs: Bathymetry and composition
Lorenz, R. D.; Lunine, J. I.; Hayes, A. G. +4 more
In January 2015 (fly-by T108), the Cassini radar observed Punga Mare, Titan's northernmost and third-largest sea, in altimetry mode during closest approach. The ground track intercepted a section of the mare and a system of channels and flooded areas connecting Punga to Kraken Mare. We use a processing technique, successfully adopted for Ligeia Ma…
Sedimentological evidence for a deltaic origin of the western fan deposit in Jezero crater, Mars and implications for future exploration
Mustard, John F.; Goudge, Timothy A.; Head, James W. +2 more
We examine the stratigraphic architecture and mineralogy of the western fan deposit in the Jezero crater paleolake on Mars to reassess whether this fan formed as a delta in a standing body of water, as opposed to by alluvial or debris flow processes. Analysis of topography and images reveals that the stratigraphically lowest layers within the fan …
Detection of Mg-spinel bearing central peaks using M3 images: Implications for the petrogenesis of Mg-spinel
Li, Lin; Sun, Ying; Zhang, Yuanzhi
Mg-spinel bearing lithologies, lacking abundant mafic materials, have been discovered with images acquired by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) aboard Chandrayaan-1. We conducted a systematic screening of lunar crater central peaks for the presence of Mg-spinel to address its distribution and petrogenesis. 38 Mg-spinel bearing crater cent…