1. Transport of Elements in the Yellowstone Hydrothermal System
Selisa Rollins
Mentor: Dr. Everett Shock
School of Earth and Space Exploration

2. Silica on Mars Silica deposits dug up by the Spirit.
Evidence of past microbial life.
Hydrothermal vents are probable cause of silica enrichment.
Figure 1 [1]

3. Why Yellowstone? Hydrothermal Systems:
Excellent locations for abundant nutrient supply.
Affect how rocks are altered.
Harbor life and determine which microorganisms live where.
Concentrations of SiO2 are detected in some areas.

4. Hot Spring Locations and Other Present Elements
GOPA
Lower Geyser Basin
Sylvan Spring
Washburn
Elements:
Antimony (Sb)
Arsenic (As)
Boron (B)
Molybdenum (Mo)
Tungsten (W)

5. Strong Correlations
Sylvan Spring

6. Poor Correlations
LGB

7. Complex Correlations
GOPA

8. Observations and Summary
Molybdenum Concentrations:
Higher at GOPA
Lower at LGB and Sylvan Springs
Arsenic Concentrations
Lower at GOPA
Higher at LGB and Sylvan Springs
Basic solutions present at lower elevations.
Acidic solutions present at higher elevations.  

9. Acknowledgements Dr. Everett Shock GEOPIG Lab: Tracy Lund Jeff Havig
Mateo Hernandez
Panjai Prapaipong

10. References [1] Astronomy Now Online:
likedepositsonMars.html
[2] Squyres S W; Arvidson R E; Ruff S. Detection of silica-rich deposits on Mars. Science (New York, N.Y.) 2008; 320(5879):

11. Questions?