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Low-Temperature Carbonate Concretions in the Martian Meteorite ALH84001: Evidence from Stable Isotopes and Mineralogy

Valley, John W. and Eiler, John M. and Graham, Colin M. and Gibson, Everett K. and Romanek, Christopher S. and Stolper, Edward M. (1997) Low-Temperature Carbonate Concretions in the Martian Meteorite ALH84001: Evidence from Stable Isotopes and Mineralogy. Science, 275 (5306). pp. 1633-1638. ISSN 0036-8075. doi:10.1126/science.275.5306.1633. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20120821-104718593

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Abstract

The martian meteorite ALH84001 contains small, disk-shaped concretions of carbonate with concentric chemical and mineralogical zonation. Oxygen isotope compositions of these concretions, measured by ion microprobe, range from δ^(18)O = +9.5 to +20.5‰. Most of the core of one concretion is homogeneous (16.7 ± 1.2‰) and over 5‰ higher in δ18O than a second concretion. Orthopyroxene that hosts the secondary carbonates is isotopically homogeneous (δ^(18)O = 4.6 ± 1.2‰). Secondary SiO_2 has δ^(18)O = 20.4‰. Carbon isotope ratios measured from the core of one concretion average δ^(13)C = 46 ± 8‰, consistent with formation on Mars. The isotopic variations and mineral compositions offer no evidence for high temperature (>650°C) carbonate precipitation and suggest non-equilibrium processes at low temperatures (<∼300°C).


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.275.5306.1633 DOIArticle
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/275/5306/1633PublisherArticle
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Stolper, Edward M.0000-0001-8008-8804
Additional Information:© 1997 American Association for the Advancement of Science. Received 10 February 1997; accepted 21 February 1997. J. Craven aided in all aspects of the ion microprobe analysis in Edinburgh and M. Spicuzza analyzed carbonate standards in Madison. J. Muhl measured ion probe pit depth and volume by optical interferometer. B. Hess mounted and carefully polished the sample. J. Fournelle, T. Patterson, S. Burgess, and P. Hill assisted in electron microprobe analysis. M. Diman drafted the figures and B. Barker aided in photography. G. Rossman and R. Reeder donated carbonates as potential standards. We thank three anonymous reviewers for prompt, helpful comments. This research was supported by NSF, NASA, DOE and NERC.
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Funding AgencyGrant Number
NSFUNSPECIFIED
NASAUNSPECIFIED
Department of Energy (DOE)UNSPECIFIED
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)UNSPECIFIED
Issue or Number:5306
DOI:10.1126/science.275.5306.1633
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20120821-104718593
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20120821-104718593
Official Citation:Low-Temperature Carbonate Concretions in the Martian Meteorite ALH84001: Evidence from Stable Isotopes and Mineralogy John W. Valley, John M. Eiler, Colin M. Graham, Everett K. Gibson, Christopher S. Romanek, and Edward M. Stolper Science 14 March 1997: 275 (5306), 1633-1638. [DOI:10.1126/science.275.5306.1633]
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:33398
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
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Deposited On:21 Aug 2012 18:22
Last Modified:09 Nov 2021 21:34

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