Duricrust

Duricrust is a hard layer on or near the surface of soil. Duricrusts can range in thickness from a few millimeters or centimeters to several meters.

It is a general term (not to be confused with duripan) for a zone of chemical precipitation and hardening formed at or near the surface of sedimentary bodies through pedogenic and (or) non-pedogenic processes. It is typically formed by the accumulation of soluble minerals deposited by mineral-bearing waters that move upward, downward, or laterally by capillary action, commonly assisted in arid settings by evaporation.[1][2][3] Minerals often found in duricrust include silica, iron, calcium, and gypsum.

Duricrusts need to be formed in absolute accumulation, therefore they must have a source, transfer and precipitation. Duricrust is often studied during missions to Mars because it may help prove the planet once had more water. Duricrust was found on Mars at the Viking 2 landing site, and a similar structure, nicknamed "Snow Queen," was found under the Phoenix landing site.[4] Phoenix's duricrust was later confirmed to be water-based.[5]

See also

References

  1. Dixon, 1994
  2. Woolnough, 1930
  3. NADMSC SLTT, 2004
  4. Rayl, A.J.S. (June 1, 2008). "Holy Cow, Snow Queen! Phoenix Landed on Ice, Team Thinks". The Planetary Society. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
  5. "Phoenix and the Holy Cow". Astronomy Picture of the Day. November 12, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2008.

Further reading

External links