Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Rossman, G. R..
Microanalysis of Fe-3+/Total(Fe) in extraterrestrial samples is important due to sample size constraints of sample return missions. We compare Fe XANES spectra with Co optical spectra that predict valence electron levels based on 'Z1' model. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Laboratory simulations of Martian CO2 storage address whether carbonate formation could have reduced CO2 pressure from a hypothetical greater than 1 bar to the present 7 mbar in less than or equal to 3 to 4 billion years. This problem is addressed with experiments and analysis designed to verify and improve previous kinetic measurements, reaction mechanisms, and product characterizations, with the goal of improving existing models of Martian CO2 history. A sensitive manometer monitored the pressure drop of CO2 due to uptake by powdered silicate for periods of 3 to 100+ days. Pressure drops for diopside 1 and basalt show rapid short-term (approximately one day) CO2 uptake and considerably slower long-term pressure drops. Curves for diopside 2, olivine 1, and olivine 2 are qualitatively similar to those for diopside 1, whereas quartz and plagioclase show near-zero short-term pressure drops and very slow long-term signals, indistinguishable from a leak (less than 10(exp 11) mol/sq m/s).
Microinclusions in diamonds from Zaire and Botswana differ in composition from the more common large inclusions of the peridotitic or eclogitic assemblages. These sub-micrometer inclusions resemble potassic magmas in their composition, but are enriched in H2O, CO2(3-), and K2O and depleted in MgO. This composition represents a volatile-rich fluid or melt from the upper mantle, which was trapped in the diamonds as they grew.