Alkali Trace Elements Observed by MarSCoDe LIBS at Zhurong Landing Site on Mars: Quantitative Analysis and Its Geological Implications

Abstract

Mars Surface Composition Detector (MarSCoDe) is one of the important payloads carried by the Zhurong rover, China's first Mars exploration mission Tianwen-1. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument of MarSCoDe is mainly used to detect major and trace elements on the surface of Mars. The quantitative analysis of alkali trace elements, namely lithium (Li), strontium (Sr), and rubidium (Rb), holds significance in unraveling the geological evolution of the Zhurong landing site. This study focuses on establishing univariate calibration models using MarSCoDe LIBS spectra from 84 samples tested in the ground laboratory. The accuracy of these models, within a few parts per million (ppm), was subsequently validated through the analysis of 12 onboard MarSCoDe Calibration Targets (MCCTs). With these models, Li, Sr, and Rb concentrations in the surface targets during the initial 300 sols (Martian days) traverse were determined. These concentrations ranged from 6 to 18, 106–628, and 22–87 ppm, respectively. Our results suggest that Li, Sr, and Rb are mainly related to the igneous rock components in the rocks and soils at the Zhurong landing site. The major secondary minerals in MarSCoDe scientific targets are likely small amounts of sulfates, which appear to have formed from the acidic weathering of recent surface brine. Clay minerals are likely either absent or very sparse in the scientific targets. The surface igneous materials at the landing site likely have originated from the most recent lava flow during the Amazonian epoch.