Mars - Sheet Silicates/Glass

3D Model

Mars topography (MOLA, 10x vertical exaggeration) with results from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mars Global Surveyor) indicating concentrations of either sheet silicates (clay minerals) or silica glasses.

Blue/purple areas are where little/none of these materials were detected, while green, yellow, and red indicate increasing concentrations (in that order).

Clay minerals would indicate chemical alteration of the surface (probably by water), while silica glasses often form in hydrothermal environments (more influence of water).