Scientists now believe that Home Plate is an explosive volcanic deposit. It is surrounded by deposits of
basalt, which are believed to have exploded on contact with water. The presence of brine is further supported by the high concentration of
chloride ions in the surrounding rocks. The presence of
bomb sags (laminae typically found in beds of volcanish ash) seems to confirm this hypothesis. A patch of 90% pure
opaline
silicon dioxide was unearthed by
Spirit in the vicinity of Home Plate. The patch is believed to be formed in acidic
hydrothermal conditions, which supports the theory that Home Plate is of an explosive volcanic origin. Water is also present as mineral
hydrates. Since 2008, scientists believe that this formation is an example of an eroded, ancient, and extinct
fumarole. ==Gallery==