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Reconstructing Past Depositional and Diagenetic Processes through Quantitative Stratigraphic Analysis of the Martian Sedimentary Rock Record

Citation

Stack, Kathryn Marie Morgan (2015) Reconstructing Past Depositional and Diagenetic Processes through Quantitative Stratigraphic Analysis of the Martian Sedimentary Rock Record. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Z9FN144M . https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:12042014-212249920

Abstract

High-resolution orbital and in situ observations acquired of the Martian surface during the past two decades provide the opportunity to study the rock record of Mars at an unprecedented level of detail. This dissertation consists of four studies whose common goal is to establish new standards for the quantitative analysis of visible and near-infrared data from the surface of Mars. Through the compilation of global image inventories, application of stratigraphic and sedimentologic statistical methods, and use of laboratory analogs, this dissertation provides insight into the history of past depositional and diagenetic processes on Mars. The first study presents a global inventory of stratified deposits observed in images from the High Resolution Image Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on-board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This work uses the widespread coverage of high-resolution orbital images to make global-scale observations about the processes controlling sediment transport and deposition on Mars. The next chapter presents a study of bed thickness distributions in Martian sedimentary deposits, showing how statistical methods can be used to establish quantitative criteria for evaluating the depositional history of stratified deposits observed in orbital images. The third study tests the ability of spectral mixing models to obtain quantitative mineral abundances from near-infrared reflectance spectra of clay and sulfate mixtures in the laboratory for application to the analysis of orbital spectra of sedimentary deposits on Mars. The final study employs a statistical analysis of the size, shape, and distribution of nodules observed by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover team in the Sheepbed mudstone at Yellowknife Bay in Gale crater. This analysis is used to evaluate hypotheses for nodule formation and to gain insight into the diagenetic history of an ancient habitable environment on Mars.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Mars, Mars Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, HiRISE, Mars Science Laboratory, Spectroscopy
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Geological and Planetary Sciences
Major Option:Geology
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Grotzinger, John P.
Thesis Committee:
  • Rossman, George Robert (chair)
  • Lamb, Michael P.
  • Ehlmann, Bethany L.
  • Grotzinger, John P.
Defense Date:30 June 2014
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:12042014-212249920
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:12042014-212249920
DOI:10.7907/Z9FN144M
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1002/jgre.20092DOIArticle adapted for ch. 3
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2014.12.009DOIArticle adapted for ch. 4
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JE004617DOIArticle adapted for ch. 5
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Stack, Kathryn Marie Morgan0000-0003-3444-6695
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:8735
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Kathryn Stack
Deposited On:10 Dec 2014 23:52
Last Modified:08 Mar 2021 19:33

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