Introduction:
Norway has access to some of the most diverse geology in the world, including but not limited to Archean cratons with anorthosite intrusions, Caledonian metamorphic rocks and ophiolites, basaltic and alkali basalt formations of the Oslo Rift, and the emplacement of young igneous provinces on Svalbard.
The diversity of rock lithologies in Norway provides an excellent opportunity to sample analogs for crustal and aqueous processes on Mars and the Moon. Identification and sampling of relevant analogs is currently a high-priority activity supported by space agencies such as ESA and NASA. Analogues are essential for scientific and engineering testing in preparation for work on samples returned from Mars and the Moon. Analogues are also needed to test and ground truth instruments on board orbital missions.
The project aims to:
- Review the mineralogy and chemical composition of geological sites in Norway to identify lunar and Martian analogues. For the Moon, the search will focus on anorthositic highlands and associated KREEP-like formations. For Mars, the focus will be on igneous formations sampled by Perseverance in Jezero Crater.
- Assess the fidelity of the sites identified by comparing the mineralogy and chemistry of the analogue rocks with data from space missions and meteorites.
Data and methods:
The project will be based on a review of the geology of the Norwegian sites. Access to previously sampled analogues from Leka serpentinites, Oslo Rift basalts and Egersund anorthosites will be provided from the PTAL collection (www.ptal.eu). Fieldwork and sampling of newly identified analogues is not required but is possible. Analogues will be characterised for mineral composition by SEM, EPMA and for bulk composition by XRF.
Recommended skills:
- Good knowledge of mineralogy and igneous petrology.
- Basic knowledge of microbeam techniques (training will be given during the project).
Learning outcomes:
- Application of state-of-the-art electron microscopy analytical techniques to studies of mineralogy and mineral chemistry.
- Meteoritics and planetary science. Understanding the geology of Mars and the Moon.
- Skills in end-to-end analytical data collection, reprocessing, reduction, interpretation and scientific writing.
Project organization:
- Literature review and familiarisation with the geology of Jezero Crater and the Lunar Highlands and KREEP terrains.
- Identification of potential analogue sites in Norway
- Collection of SEM and EPMA data on relevant analogues. Bulk chemical analysis.
- Preparation of a thesis with an assessment of the fidelity of the described analogue sites.
