FACIES ANALYSIS AND DIAGENESIS OF THE ROCK FORMATIONS IN THE GALE CRATER, MARS

Observation of high resolution images obtained from Curiosity's Mastcam and interpretation of data provided by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Spacecraft indicate that the Gale crater of Mars mainly consists of a basal unit of basaltic lava (Hesperian – Amazonian Periods). The sedimentary deposits of the Gale Crater were classified into facies based on their sedimentary structures, textural variations, and interpretation of microscopic images from NASA's Opportunity Rover. These lithofacies are as follows: 1) stratified shale (lacustrine) ; 2) cross-laminated sandstone (lacustrine); 3) cross-bedded sandstone (fluvial origin); 4) sandy conglomerate (alluvial fan); 5) aeolian sand dunes (wind deposit); and 6) evaporitic minerals with mud cracks. These lithofacies show wide range of diagenetic modification in a paleo-environment that was rich in aqueous solutions.

Interpretation of data that was provided by MSL on Curiosity Rover indicates the presence of evaporitic and hypersaline minerals including halite, anhydrite, and authigenic k-feldspar. Similar to the Earth’s geologic past, this hypersaline condition as well as the presence of the organic carbon (chlorohydrocarbon) may signify the existence of microbial mates in the Martian soils.