Clay on Mars

Clay on Mars, Volume Twelve delves into the latest advancements in the exploration and characterization of Martian clay. Edited by a team of experts, the book compiles contributions from leading researchers in the field. It begins with introductory content, followed by a detailed examination of remote sensing instruments and in situ analyses from probes and rovers. The initial chapters discuss lithologic and textural context, clay stratigraphy, and other fundamental aspects. The book also explores clay from various sources, including impact craters, lakes, seas, and hydrothermal origins.In addition, it covers detailed examinations of surface alteration, diagenesis, mixed-layer clay minerals, and the potential for astrobiology. The book concludes with intriguing chapters on clays in meteorites and their potential as a natural resource for human missions on Mars, making it a valuable resource for mineralogists and geologists. - Opens new avenues for research by describing state of the art and the strategic knowledge gaps in ways multiple disciplines can understand- Clarifies how clay minerals, which are small by definition, are detected at large regional scales and what this means to different experts of various perspectives- Highlights the impact of clay mineralogy for the most important topics in planetary science and Mars science