Spectroscopy of sulfates, clays, and iron oxides in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone

Analysis of the history of fluid flow and diagenesis in sandstone deposits can potentially furnish insight into how these deposits function as reservoirs. Imaging spectroscopy provides a way to examine surface mineralogy in order to better understand how this mineralogy might have resulted from past fluid flow and diagenesis. Aerially-acquired spectral data, along with spectral data from field samples, are used to help map the mineralogy of a site located within the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone in southern Utah. This site, “Mollies Nipple”, is unusual as it is a butte containing jarosite; an atypical mineral for this area. Mapping the butte´s mineralogy in conjunction with its morphology may help provide additional knowledge as to the geologic history of this area. In addition, the presence of hematite concretions as well as the mineral jarosite may potentially make this butte a terrestrial analog for sediments on Mars.