Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Diverse igneous, aqueous alteration, and sedimentary processes influence volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks on Earth and Mars. As a Canadian Space Agency (CSA)-supported Participating Scientist on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, I am interested in differentiating the relative contributions of these processes for the investigation of terrestrial geologic problems that are also relevant to understanding the evolution of Mars, including the character of the Martian mantle and potential for microbial life. The MSL Curiosity rover has encountered a diverse suite of lithologies, including evolved alkaline igneous rocks, clay-rich basaltic mudstones, sandstones, and conglomerates. Complementary terrestrial studies critically influence our interpretations of the environment and conditions under which these rocks formed. Proposed research includes: (1) characterizing the relative influences of mantle metasomatism, high-pressure fractionation, and crustal contamination on evolved alkaline magmatism on Earth and Mars; (2) constraining the conditions and relative timing of biotic and abiotic alteration at continental basaltic volcanic fields; and (3) quantifying the effects of sediment transport and chemical weathering on volcanic fragmental materials. My overall approach is to identify relevant and interesting petrologic problems and then to apply the appropriate analytical techniques. In addition to standard field and petrographic techniques, analyses include but are not restricted to: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Alpha Particle X-ray Spectroscopy (APXS) for whole rock geochemistry, Electron microprobe and Laser Ablation ICP-MS for elemental and isotopic micro-analysis, Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for bulk mineral identification, and micro-XRD and Raman spectroscopy for in situ mineral phase identification. I anticipate supporting 6 MSc and at least 3 BSc students with this request over the next 5 years. Students will receive training in variety of field and analytical techniques and will become experienced in Mars relevant and Mars mission datasets.