Mars MOURA magnetometer demonstration for high-resolution mapping on terrestrial analogues

Abstract

Satellite-based magnetic measurements of Mars indicate complex and very strong magnetic anomalies, which led to an intensive and long-lasting discussion about their possible origin. To make some progress in the investigation of the origin of these anomalies the MOURA vector magnetometer was developed for in situ measurements on Mars. In this work we propose the utilisation of such an instrument for future planetary on-ground surveys. The proof of its suitability is seen through testing it on various terrestrial analogues characterised by the distinct magnetic anomalies of their basement rocks: (1) a magnetite body of EL Laco (up to +110 000 nT) and its transition to surrounding andesites ( < +2000 nT) in the northern Andes of Chile showing the highest local magnetic anomalies. The magnetite-bearing ore body has highly variable local anomalies due to its complex formation history where a significant dispersion in palaeo-orientations has been previously reported, while our vector data show relatively uniform and probably induced declinations. (2) A basaltic spatter cone of the Pali Aike volcanic field, in southern Chile, was characterised by very strong magnetic anomalies along the crater rim (up to +12 000 nT), controlled by the amount of single domain magnetites in the ground mass of the basalts. Due to their strong remanent signature, palaeo-declinations of the lavas and reorientations of collapsed blocks could be constrained by the vector data. (3) The Monturaqui meteorite crater (350 m diameter), in northern Chile, shows significant variations of its anomalies (from −2000 to > +6000 nT) in restricted areas of several square metres along its crater rim related to unexposed iron-bearing fragments of the impactor while its granitic and ignimbritic target rocks exhibit only very weak anomalies. (4) An area with several amphibolitic dykes, which cross-cut a Cretaceous granitoid in the southernmost Andes, where a decimetre-scale mapping was performed. In this case, pyrrhotite is the only magnetic carrier. It was formed during hydrothermal processes within the dykes. Very low (+40 to +120 nT) positive magnetic anomalies clearly depict the amount of 1–4 vol % pyrrhotite in these dykes, which is important as a mineralogical indicator as well as to detect associated gold and copper enrichment.