Are Martian rock formations similar to those on Earth?

In summary, the conversation discusses the presence of sedimentary rock on Mars and the implications of this for the planet's past liquid environment. It also mentions various sources, including articles, lectures, and books, that provide more information on Martian sediments. The conversation also touches on the role of different fluids, such as water and carbon dioxide, in the formation of these rocks. Overall, the presence of sedimentary rock on Mars suggests a significant amount of liquid on the planet's surface in the past.
  • #1
bitznbitez
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I ran into a link from a NASA page over to an Astrobiology webzine. In the article it referenced "sedimentary rock" on Mars. I don't really care about all the other claims of this article, some rather fantastic claims frankly. Rather I am interested in the use of the phrase sedimentary rock.

Have we established that martian sedimentary rock, and by that inferred its formation, is equivalent to what we commonly call sedimentary, and if so how much of observed martian rock would be classed as sedimentary ?

I'm interested in finding where martian rock formations are discussed in any substantial way...

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
  • #3
Simon's second link provides only the abstract; the full article is behind a pay-wall, but you can access it http://www.vashonsd.org/mcmurray/science/justin/News/AAAS1927.pdf [Broken]. It is worth reading.

There are many books that could address questions you may have on Martian sediments - what level of detail does your curiosity extend to?
 
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  • #4
Thanks for the links. The existence of significant quantities of sedimentary rock suggests a substantial quantity of liquid on the martian surface at one time. So i wanted to be sure there weren't explinations of sedimentary in the martian context that didn't assume liquids involved in the formation. And naturally the percentage of surface rock we would call sedimentary would potentially infer the quantity of liquid historically.
 
  • #6
bitznbitez said:
The existence of significant quantities of sedimentary rock suggests a substantial quantity of liquid on the martian surface at one time. So i wanted to be sure there weren't explinations of sedimentary in the martian context that didn't assume liquids involved in the formation.

You are looking at it too narrowly. Sedimentary deposits do not just infer water deposition ...
any material that is eroded and redeposited also falls into that category ... so ALL wind blown dust and dirt is included as well
and the Martian atmosphere is very good at that with its huge regular dust storms

cheers
Dave
 
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  • #7
Water is not mandatory, just about any liquid will suffice.
 
  • #8
Chronos said:
Water is not mandatory, just about any liquid will suffice.
Let's extend that to "just about any fluid will suffice" and that will include Davenn's aeolian deposition. Some of the erosional - and consequently depositional - features on Mars, including recent ones, have been attributed to carbon dioxide.

For me the interesting thing is that, regardless of the planet and hence the fluid and the solids involved, the physics leads to similar landforms and depositional structures. Think of the views of Titan provided by the Huygens lander.
 

1. What are the different types of rocks found on Mars?

There are three main types of rocks found on Mars: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from the cooling of magma, sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments, and metamorphic rocks are created when existing rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures.

2. How are Martian rocks different from Earth rocks?

Martian rocks have a different mineral composition and structure compared to Earth rocks. This is due to the different geological processes that have occurred on Mars, such as the lack of plate tectonics and the presence of a thin atmosphere, which affects weathering and erosion.

3. What can Martian rocks tell us about the history of Mars?

Martian rocks can provide valuable information about the geological processes that have shaped Mars over time. By studying the mineral composition, texture, and age of these rocks, scientists can gain insights into the planet's past, including its formation, evolution, and potential for supporting life.

4. How do scientists study Martian rocks?

Scientists study Martian rocks through various methods, including remote sensing techniques using orbiting spacecraft, rover missions that collect and analyze rock samples on the surface, and meteorite studies. These methods allow for the examination of the physical and chemical properties of Martian rocks without physically being on the planet.

5. Have we found any evidence of past water on Mars through its rocks?

Yes, scientists have found evidence of past water on Mars through the analysis of Martian rocks. This includes the discovery of sedimentary rocks that were likely formed in ancient lakes or rivers, and the detection of mineral deposits that can only form in the presence of liquid water. These findings suggest that Mars may have once had a more hospitable environment for life to exist.

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