Astrobiological applications of μ-mapping X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

• Published in: International journal of astrobiology Vol. 23
• Main Authors: Blake, David Frederick, Walroth, Richard C., Bristow, Thomas F., Sarrazin, Philippe, Gailhanou, Marc, Thompson, Kathleen, Downs, Robert Terrance, Yen, Albert Shi-Yuen, Marchis, Franck, Webb, Samuel, Chalumeau, Clement, Solé, Vincente Armando, Walter, Philippe, Chen, Jianxin, Henderson, Roger, Lafuente, Barbara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Astrobiology; Atoms & subatomic particles; Carbonates; Chemistry; Concretions; Diagenesis; Evaporites; Fluorescence; Habitability; Imaging techniques; Mars; Mineralogy; Optics; Planetary surfaces; Prototypes; Regolith; Rock; Rocks; Scientific imaging; Sedimentary structures; Sediments; Sensors; Spatial discrimination; Spatial resolution; Spectrometry; Tackling Climate Change with Machine Learning; X ray imagery; X rays; X-ray fluorescence; Mars; X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy; geochemistry; elemental imaging; habitability
• ISSN: 1473-5504; 1475-3006
• DOI: 10.1017/S147355042400003X

In situ elemental imaging of planetary surface regolith at a spatial resolution of 100s to 1000s of microns can provide evidence of the provenance of rocks or sediments and their habitability, and can identify post-depositional diagenetic alteration affecting preservation. We use high-resolution elemental maps and XRF spectra from MapX, a flight prototype in situ X-ray imaging instrument, to demonstrate this technology in rock types relevant to astrobiology. Examples are given for various petrologies and depositional/diagenetic environments, including ultramafic/mafic rocks, serpentinites, hydrothermal carbonates, evaporites, stromatolitic cherts and diagenetic concretions.