Large‐scale fluid‐deposited mineralization in Margaritifer Terra, Mars

Abstract

Abstract Mineral deposits precipitated from subsurface‐sourced fluids are a key astrobiological detection target on Mars, due to the long‐term viability of the subsurface as a habitat for life and the ability of precipitated minerals to preserve biosignatures. We report morphological and stratigraphic evidence for ridges along fractures in impact crater floors in Margaritifer Terra. Parallels with terrestrial analog environments and the regional context indicate that two observed ridge types are best explained by groundwater‐emplaced cementation in the shallow subsurface and higher‐temperature hydrothermal deposition at the surface, respectively. Both mechanisms have considerable astrobiological significance. Finally, we propose that morphologically similar ridges previously documented at the Mars 2020 landing site in NE Syrtis Major may have formed by similar mechanisms.