Mars MOURA magnetometer demonstration for high-resolution mapping on terrestrial analogues

Autor: M. Díaz-Michelena, R. Kilian, R. Sanz, F. Rios, O. Baeza
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2016
Předmět:
Zdroj: Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems, Vol 5, Iss 1, Pp 127-142 (2016)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2193-0856
2193-0864
DOI: 10.5194/gi-5-127-2016
Popis: Satellite-based magnetic measurements of Mars indicate complex and very strong magnetic anomalies, which led to an intensive and long-lasting discussion about their possible origin. To make some progress in the investigation of the origin of these anomalies the MOURA vector magnetometer was developed for in situ measurements on Mars. In this work we propose the utilisation of such an instrument for future planetary on-ground surveys. The proof of its suitability is seen through testing it on various terrestrial analogues characterised by the distinct magnetic anomalies of their basement rocks: (1) a magnetite body of EL Laco (up to +110 000 nT) and its transition to surrounding andesites ( +6000 nT) in restricted areas of several square metres along its crater rim related to unexposed iron-bearing fragments of the impactor while its granitic and ignimbritic target rocks exhibit only very weak anomalies. (4) An area with several amphibolitic dykes, which cross-cut a Cretaceous granitoid in the southernmost Andes, where a decimetre-scale mapping was performed. In this case, pyrrhotite is the only magnetic carrier. It was formed during hydrothermal processes within the dykes. Very low (+40 to +120 nT) positive magnetic anomalies clearly depict the amount of 1–4 vol % pyrrhotite in these dykes, which is important as a mineralogical indicator as well as to detect associated gold and copper enrichment.
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