In the present work, NIR, LIBS, Raman and XRD techniques have been complementarily used to
carry out a comprehensive characterization of a terrestrial analogue selected from the
Chesapeake Bay Impact Structure (CBIS). The obtained data clearly highlight the key role of
Raman spectroscopy in the detection of minor and trace compounds, through which inferences
about geological processes occurred in the CBIS can be extrapolated. Beside the use of
commercial systems, further Raman analyses were performed by the Raman Laser Spectrometer
(RLS) ExoMars Simulator. This instrument representsthe most reliable tool to effectively predict
the scientific capabilities of the ExoMars/Raman system that will be deployed on Mars in 2021.
By emulating the analytical procedures and operational restrictions established by the ExoMars
mission rover design, it was proved that the RLS ExoMars Simulator is able to detect the
amorphization of quartz, which constitutes an analytical clue of the impact origin of craters. On
the other hand, the detection of barite and siderite, compounds crystallizing under
hydrothermal conditions, helps to indirectly confirm the presence of water in impact targets.
Furthermore, the RLS ExoMars Simulator capability of performing smart molecular mappings
was also evaluated. According to the obtained results, the algorithms developed for its
operation provide a great analytical advantage over most of the automatic analysis systems
employed by commercial Raman instruments, encouraging its application for many additional
scientific and commercial purposes.
