Modeling the thermal and physical evolution of Mount Sharp's sedimentary rocks, Gale Crater, Mars: Implications for diagenesis on the MSL Curiosity rover traverse

Gale Crater, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) landing site, contains a central mound, named Aeolis Mons (informally Mount Sharp) that preserves 5 km of sedimentary stratigraphy. Formation scenarios include (1) complete filling of Gale Crater followed by partial sediment removal or (2) building of a central deposit with morphology controlled by slope winds and only incomplete sedimentary fill. Here we model temperature-time paths for both scenarios, compare results with analyses provided by MSL Curiosity, and provide scenario-dependent predictions of temperatures of diagenesis along Curiosity’s future traverse. The effects of variable sediment thermal conductivity and historical heat flows are also discussed. Modeled erosion and deposition rates are 5–37 μm/yr, consistent with previously published estimates from other Mars locations. The occurrence and spatial patterns of diagenesis depend on sedimentation scenario and surface paleotemperature. For (1) temperatures experienced by sediments decrease monotonically along the traverse and up Mount Sharp stratigraphy, whereas for (2) temperatures increase along the traverse reaching maximum temperatures higher up in Mount Sharp’s lower units. If early Mars surface temperatures were similar to modern Mars (mean: 50°C), only select locations under select scenarios permit diagenetic fluids. In contrast, if early Mars surface temperatures averaged 0°C or brines had lowered freezing points, diagenesis is predicted in most locations with temperatures < 225°C. Comparing our predictions with future MSL results on diagenetic textures, secondary mineral assemblages, and their spatial variability will constrain past heat flow, Mount Sharp’s formation processes, the availability of liquid water on early Mars, and sediment organic preservation potential.