Effect of Mars analogue dust deposition on the automated detection of calcite in visible/near-infrared spectra

We have developed an artificial neural net detector for use on board Mars rovers that correctly identifies calcite under Mars analogue dust (JSC Mars-1 regolith simulant) layers up to ∼ 100   μm thickness and 80% aerial coverage. Both the detector output and the band depth of the ∼ 2300   nm CO=3 absorption are linearly related to the surface area of exposed calcite. This detector provides a means for rapid and robust automated recognition of calcite on Mars in areas of active aeolian erosion.