Visit NE Syrtis Major

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Visit NE Syrtis Major! Win Valuable Martian
Geological History!
Ralph P. Harvey Case Western Reserve
University Planetary Time Share Specialist
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Geologically speaking, the ideal site includes
A walkable cross-section of Martian history
including periods of assumed high
habitability. Recognizable global stratigraphic
markers. Both Stay Home and Go To
For safe operations, the ideal site includes
Low dust (low albedo?) and high TI. Flat on
the relevant scales (km to cm). Low altitude and
near equatorial to help Skycrane. No ice or
water in case Skycrane needed help.
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Syrtis Major
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20 km
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Physical properties
After Heisinger and Head (2004)
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A
From Kiefer (2004)
A'
After Heisinger and Head (2004)
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From Bibring et al., 2005
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• After Mustard et al.
• (LPSC 36, 2005), Hamilton et al., (2003)
• and Hoefen et al., (2003)

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Interpretation Syrtis Major is a
differentiated ultramafic volcanic complex-
basaltic (gabbroic) or even more felsic units
overlying abundant pyroxene- and olivine- rich
lithologies (e.g, Skaergaard, Bushveld, Theo's
Flow, etc.). Give me an hour, Ill convince
Phil C. Why care? Its in good global context
and its border with Mg-rich opx and
olivine-bearing, layered rocks in Nili Fossae
defines global environmental change.
But Wait, Theres More.....
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The Nili Fossae Noachian Section -Higher up,
numerous conformable strata, most NOT dust
covered but high Albedo. -low crater density
supports the highly degraded look of the land.
-Beautifully exposed ancient fluvial channels
Interpretation -An ancient fluvial
environment with significant (but varying)
degrees of denudation.
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The John Grant Slide
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NFC
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M02-01453
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M02-01453
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M02-01453
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E11-02526
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E11-02526
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E11-02526
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E11-02526
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R10-05024
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R10-05024
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Nili Fossae Crater
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The bonus- a possible absolute age?
The Nakhlites FACT Nakhlites unique among
martian meteorites CPX cumulates with
"disequilibrium" Fa-rich (25-35 Fo)
olivine. FACT Seven specimens, all identical
in crystallization age (1.3 ba) and ejection age
(11 ma) . Both shared with Fo-rich Chassignites.

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Northeast Syrtis Major Got it All.
Well-exposed stratigraphy (history), including
-Hesperian volcanics, with hints of fluvial
overprints. -The Hesperian / Noachian
boundary. -layered Noachian terrain with high
habitability potential -Can walk the section
Downhill
Conservatively fits MSL goals and guidelines.
-Safe flat, equatorial, low altitude, low dust
landing site . -Good rover access to all
stratigraphic levels . -The full range of
materials MSL can exploit explore, most low
albedo / low TI. -no ice or water now.
ADDED BONUS A potential absolute age tie.
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The John Grant Slide
THANK YOU --To the organizers of the workshop for
making it accessible to outsiders. --To the
data providers, making outstanding image
products available, and easier to access every
day.