Synchrotron-Based FTIR Micro-spectroscopy of Martian Meteorites

Martian meteorites from SNC group were studied with synchrotron-based FTIR spectroscopy with ~1 µm spatial resolution in the mid-infrared region (4000-850 cm-1). Silicate region in EET A79001, ALH 84001, and Nakhla present three prominent bands, while Chassigny has a different spectral profile. The infrared spectra reveal that some of the grains contain aliphatic type organic molecules as well as OH. According to the spatially resolved distribution maps, these molecules appear to be heterogeneously distributed in the samples. This points to complex parent body processes.

Synchrotron-Based FTIR Micro-spectroscopy of Martian Meteorites

Martian meteorites from SNC group were studied with synchrotron-based FTIR spectroscopy with ~1 µm spatial resolution in the mid-infrared region (4000-850 cm-1). Silicate region in EET A79001, ALH 84001, and Nakhla present three prominent bands, while Chassigny has a different spectral profile. The infrared spectra reveal that some of the grains contain aliphatic type organic molecules as well as OH. According to the spatially resolved distribution maps, these molecules appear to be heterogeneously distributed in the samples. This points to complex parent body processes.

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