A native sulfur deposit in Gale crater, Mars
Родниковое месторождение серы в кратере Гейл на Марсе
2026-06-29
SCID: 54.1/xk7a5qk6
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Curiosity roverGale craterGediz Vallismagmatic vapornative sulfur
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Abstract (AI)
Martian rocks are known to contain sulfur-bearing species, including sulfates and sulfides. These compounds record a sulfur cycle that operated over the geological evolution of Mars. We used the Curiosity rover to investigate a deposit of light-toned stones in Gediz Vallis within Gale crater on Mars and found that the stones are composed of native sulfur. The sulfur deposit appears to have formed in place, within a sinuous entrenched canyon cut into the floor of Gediz Vallis. The presence of native sulfur implies that a sulfur enrichment pathway involving buoyant subsurface fluids operated on ancient Mars. We propose that the primary source of this sulfur was magmatic vapor, which cooled in the near subsurface cryosphere and was released by decompression during the erosion of Gediz Vallis.
Key Findings
1
Authors propose the primary sulfur source was magmatic vapor that cooled in the near-subsurface cryosphere and was released by decompression during erosion of Gediz Vallis.
2
Curiosity rover investigated light-toned stones in Gediz Vallis, Gale crater, Mars and found they are composed of native sulfur.
3
Presence of native sulfur implies a sulfur enrichment pathway involving buoyant subsurface fluids operated on ancient Mars.
4
The sulfur deposit appears to have formed in place within a sinuous entrenched canyon cut into the floor of Gediz Vallis.
Research Object
Native sulfur deposit in Gediz Vallis within Gale crater on Mars
Research Subject
Identification and formation history of the native sulfur deposit, including its in-situ occurrence within an entrenched canyon and implications for a sulfur enrichment pathway involving buoyant subsurface fluids and magmatic vapor release
Publication Details
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2026-06-29
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