Study unveils volcanic history and clues to ancient life on Mars

In a study co-writer by a Texas A&M University scientist, researchers have revealed the new insight into the geological history of Jejero Crater of Mars, the Landing Site of NASA. His findings suggest that the pit floor is made up of a diverse array of iron -rich volcanic rocks, which provides a window in the distant past of the planet and still has a close chance to highlight the signs of ancient life.

Research scientist Dr. Michael Tice, who studies geobiology and sedimentary geology in Texas A&M College of Arts and Sciences, is part of an international team discovering the surface of Mars. He and his co-writers published their findings Science progress,

“By analyzing these diverse volcanic rocks, we have attained valuable insight into the processes shaped by this region of Mars,” said. “It enhances our understanding of geological history of the planet and has its ability to support life.”

Unlocking the mysteries of Mars with unmatched technology

Constability, as part of NASA’s most advanced robot explorer, landed in Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021, Mangal 2020 MissionSearch for signs of ancient microbial life on the red planet. The rover is collecting the main specimens of Martian rock and resolith (broken rock and soil) for a possible future analysis on Earth.

Meanwhile, scientists such as Tice are using high-technical devices of the rover to determine their chemical composition and analyze martian rocks to detect the compounds that may be signs of previous life. The rover also has a high-resolution camera system that provides wide images of rock textures and structures. But Tice said that this technology is so advanced compared to the previous NASA Rovers that they are collecting new information at unprecedented levels.

“We are not only looking at pictures – we are getting wide chemical data, mineral compositions and even subtle textures,” Tice said. “It is like a mobile lab on another planet.”

Tice and his co-writers analyzed rock structures within the crater to better understand the volcanoes and hydrological history of Mars. The team used an advanced spectrometer, the planetary equipment for an X-ray lithochemistry (PIXL), to analyze the chemical composition and texture of the rocks in the table formation, was a major geological field within the jezero crater. The high-resolution X-ray capabilities of PIXL allow unprecedented details in studying elements in the rocks.

Tice noted the importance of technology in bringing revolution in Martian exploration. He said, “Every rover that has once gone to Mars has been a technical miracle, but this is the first time we have been able to analyze rocks in such high resolution using X-ray fluorescence. It has completely changed the way you think about the history of rocks on Mars,” he said.

What rocks tell

The team analysis revealed two different types of volcanic rocks. The first type, dark-tond and rich in iron and magnesium, contains intergragon minerals such as pyroxin and plasioclass feldspars, which contain evidence of converted olivin. The second type, a mild-tonded rock that is classified as Tricchi-Endicite, includes plasioclass crystals within the potassium-rich groundmas. These findings indicate a complex volcanic history consisting of many lava flows with different compositions.

To determine how these rocks were formed, researchers operated thermodynamic modeling- a method that follows the conditions under which minerals created fiercely. Their results suggest that unique compositions originated from high-degree partial crystallization, a process where different minerals are separated from melted rock because it is cooled. They also indicated that Lava might be mixed with Mars’s crust with iron -rich content, making the creation of rocks even more.

Tice said, “The procedures we are seeing here – aggressive crystallization and crustal assimilating in active volcanic systems on Earth.” “It suggests that this part of Mars may have long -term volcanic activity, which in turn could provide a continuous source for various compounds used by life.”

This discovery is important to understand the potential habit of Mars. If Mars had an active volcanic system for an extended period, it can also maintain suitable conditions for life for long parts of the early history of Mars.

“We carefully selected these rocks because they have clues of the previous atmosphere of Mars,” Tice said. “When we take them back to Earth and analyze them with laboratory devices, we will be able to ask more detailed questions about their history and potential biological signature.”

Mars sample refund missionA collaborative attempt between NASA and the European Space Agency is to bring back samples within the next decade. Once on Earth, scientists will have access to more advanced laboratory techniques to analyze in more detail.

Tice said that given the amazing level of technology on firmness, more discoveries are ahead. “Some of the most exciting works are still ahead of us. This study is just the beginning. We are looking at things that we had never expected, and I think in the next few years, we will be able to refine our understanding of geological history of Mars in the way we had never imagined.”