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Project Progress

Our approach consists of three parts: First, we are evaluating literature data on the occurrence of low temperature, aqueous deposited hematite. Such deposits include some banded iron formations (BIFs), as desert varnish and other iron-rich deposits in the geologic record. Next, we are undertaking a laboratory study of samples containing iron oxides to document the hematite occurrences, the chemistry of the rock and its oxides, and the presence or absence of morphologic biomarkers such as fossil microbes, filaments, or biofilm. Finally, we are applying the results to an evaluation of hematite sites on Mars as identified by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS).

This project is also related to our Rock Varnish project, which is identifying iron and manganese oxides and hydroxides associated with alteration zones or coatings on rocks.