GROUND ICE-MAGMA INTERACTION ON GEOLOGICALLY RECENT MARS: EVIDENCE FROM MARTIAN METEORITES
Seminars
Semester 2
Mars has been largely cold and dry throughout its recent geological history and into the present day, yet evidence of liquid water activity persists. Ground ice–magma interaction could theoretically occur, resulting in aqueous activity. While orbiter- and rover-based observations support this mechanism, direct evidence from martian meteorite is absent. Martian meteorites preserve records of aqueous alteration, though previous studies interpret these features as the product of impact-driven hydrothermal systems. Therefore, we aim to fundamentally distinguish the signatures of impact-induced versus magma-related hydrothermal alteration. By combining mineralogy, petrographic textures, and isotope measurements, we will identify possible aqueous alteration in meteorites that were triggered by magma-driven melting of ground ice. This research will clarify the geological mechanism behind dominant aqueous processes on recent Mars and inform future sample return missions.
For additional information, please contact Ms. Zixuan HAN, hanzixuan@connect.hku.hk.