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Visit NE Syrtis Major! Win Valuable Martian Geological History!

Join Ralph P. Harvey, Planetary Time Share Specialist at Case Western Reserve University, on a fascinating journey to Syrtis Major. Discover the diverse physical properties of this volcanic complex and its significance in Martian geological history. Explore the Nili Fossae and uncover ancient fluvial channels. With well-exposed stratigraphy and a potential absolute age tie, Syrtis Major offers valuable insights into Mars. Don't miss this opportunity to win a unique Martian experience!

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Visit NE Syrtis Major! Win Valuable Martian Geological History!

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  1. Visit NE Syrtis Major! Win Valuable Martian Geological History! Ralph P. Harvey Case Western Reserve University Planetary Time Share Specialist

  2. Syrtis Major

  3. 20 km

  4. Physical properties After Heisinger and Head (2004)

  5. A From Kiefer (2004) A' After Heisinger and Head (2004)

  6. From Bibring et al., 2005

  7. After Mustard et al. (LPSC 36, 2005), Hamilton et al., (2003) and Hoefen et al., (2003)

  8. 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, I’ll convince Phil C. Why care?: • It’s in good global context and it’s border with Mg-rich opx and olivine-bearing, layered rocks in Nili Fossae defines global environmental change. But Wait, There’s More.....

  9. 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.

  10. The John Grant Slide ™

  11. 1 2 NFC 4 3

  12. M02-01453

  13. M02-01453

  14. M02-01453

  15. E11-02526

  16. E11-02526

  17. E11-02526

  18. E11-02526

  19. R10-05024

  20. R10-05024

  21. Nili Fossae Crater

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

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