#1
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Martian geology
So far the rovers have not detected any economic minerals of important
concentration. It's not even certain that uneconomic "fools gold" (iron sulphide - FeS) is there gleaming in the martian sun. If it turns out that nothing of importance is found either metallic or crystalline during the mission, this would maybe raise questions about the composition of Mars. Perhaps Earth ended up with a clean sweep of most available precious elements such gold and silver and Mars was too far out when the solar system formed. I hope granites or metamorphic igneous rocks are found on Mars. So far I believe it's been basalts only. On earth basalts make up the oceanic crust whereas chrystalline granitic rocks make up continental crust. Mars never in it's history had an active plate tectonics either because there are no orogenic mountains. |
#2
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Martian geology
Mickelodeon wrote:
So far the rovers have not detected any economic minerals of important concentration. It's not even certain that uneconomic "fools gold" (iron sulphide - FeS) is there gleaming in the martian sun. Why, are you planning on a mining operation? (the shipping costs will be a real killer). So far I believe it's been basalts only. Then you may not have been paying much attention to the Opportunity rover's results. The reasons for these rovers landing where they did was to see if water may have been present at some time at those sites. That question (at least in the case of Opportunity) has been answered. Mars never in it's history had an active plate tectonics either because there are no orogenic mountains. Maybe yes, maybe no. However, there are plenty of other interesting geologic features which need investigation, such as the huge Tharsis bulge and its large volcanoes, the rift valley complex of Vallis Marineris, the outflow channels, the large impact basins, ect. I think Mars will have more surprises for us as we continue to study it. -- David W. Knisely Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/ ********************************************** * Attend the 11th Annual NEBRASKA STAR PARTY * * July 18-23, 2004, Merritt Reservoir * * http://www.NebraskaStarParty.org * ********************************************** |
#3
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Martian geology
"David Knisely" wrote in message ... Mickelodeon wrote: So far the rovers have not detected any economic minerals of important concentration. It's not even certain that uneconomic "fools gold" (iron sulphide - FeS) is there gleaming in the martian sun. Why, are you planning on a mining operation? (the shipping costs will be a real killer). So far I believe it's been basalts only. Then you may not have been paying much attention to the Opportunity rover's results. The reasons for these rovers landing where they did was to see if water may have been present at some time at those sites. That question (at least in the case of Opportunity) has been answered. Mars never in it's history had an active plate tectonics either because there are no orogenic mountains. Maybe yes, maybe no. However, there are plenty of other interesting geologic features which need investigation, such as the huge Tharsis bulge and its large volcanoes, the rift valley complex of Vallis Marineris, the outflow channels, the large impact basins, ect. I think Mars will have more surprises for us as we continue to study it. What ever gave you the idea about mining? I am speaking only from a geologic perspective. You obviously decided to conform my original post to some silly perspective you dreamt up. I am well informed about the water results goofball, so don't imply that I'm not. The only intelligent thing you said was the last paragraph. Mars does have more to offer than the Rovers will uncover. It would be nice however if they did stumble upon continental type rocks. |
#4
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Martian geology
"Mickelodeon" wrote in message news:LCn5c.651$vh1.204@clgrps13... Mickelodeon wrote: You said So far the rovers have not detected any economic minerals of important concentration. It's not even certain that uneconomic "fools gold" (iron sulphide - FeS) is there gleaming in the martian sun. David said Why, are you planning on a mining operation? (the shipping costs will be a real killer). You said What ever gave you the idea about mining? I am speaking only from a geologic perspective. You obviously decided to conform my original post to some silly perspective you dreamt up. Would that be the silly perspective you began by mentioning 'economic minerals' I can't see any reason for using the word 'economic' unless it is to bring to mind the thought of some economic return. |
#5
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Martian geology
I would not rule out Mercury for a potential source of "economic" ore...
Orion "Mickelodeon" wrote in message news:i0l5c.84396$Ff2.38567@clgrps12... So far the rovers have not detected any economic minerals of important concentration. It's not even certain that uneconomic "fools gold" (iron sulphide - FeS) is there gleaming in the martian sun. If it turns out that nothing of importance is found either metallic or crystalline during the mission, this would maybe raise questions about the composition of Mars. Perhaps Earth ended up with a clean sweep of most available precious elements such gold and silver and Mars was too far out when the solar system formed. I hope granites or metamorphic igneous rocks are found on Mars. So far I believe it's been basalts only. On earth basalts make up the oceanic crust whereas chrystalline granitic rocks make up continental crust. Mars never in it's history had an active plate tectonics either because there are no orogenic mountains. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.620 / Virus Database: 399 - Release Date: 3/11/2004 |
#6
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Martian geology
Mickelodeon posted:
What ever gave you the idea about mining? Your use of the term "economic minerals". Actually, it was intended as a joke, but since you seem to not be in good humor these days, I might point out that the mineral hematite has been found in noticable quantities on the surface of Mars by the Opportunity rover (and Iron ore is an "economic mineral" made up mainly of the minerals magnetite and hematite). I am well informed about the water results goofball, so don't imply that I'm not. Your comments "So far the rovers have not detected any economic minerals of important concentration", and "I hope granites or metamorphic igneous rocks are found on Mars....So far I believe it's been basalts only." clearly implied that you were unaware of the findings from the Opportunity rover. As for the "goofball" comment, I might suggest refraining from the use of terms like this if you are not to be judged by others as just "trolling". Clear skies to you. -- David W. Knisely Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/ ********************************************** * Attend the 11th Annual NEBRASKA STAR PARTY * * July 18-23, 2004, Merritt Reservoir * * http://www.NebraskaStarParty.org * ********************************************** |
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