Discovery of olivine in the Nili Fssae region of Mars.

Hoefen, Todd M; Clark, Roger N; Bandfield, Joshua L; Smith, Michael D; Pearl, John C; Christensen, Philip R · Science · 2003

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

We have detected a 30,000-square-kilometer area rich in olivine in the Nili Fossae region of Mars. Nili Fossae has been interpreted as a complex of grabens and fractures related to the formation of the Isidis impact basin. We propose that post-impact faulting of this area has exposed subsurface layers rich in olivine. Linear mixture analysis of Thermal Emission Spectrometer spectra shows surface exposures of 30% olivine, where the composition of the olivine ranges from Fo30 to Fo70.