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Laboratory investigations of Mars - Chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of a suite of clays as Mars soil analogsA model system of Mars soil analog materials (MSAMs) was prepared, and the properties of these clays, such as chemical composition, surface-ion composition, water adsorption isotherms, and reflectance spectra, were examined. The results of these studies, performed along with simulations of the Viking Labeled Release Experiement using MSAMs, indicate that surface iron and adsorbed water are important determinants of clay behavior, as evidenced by changes in reflectance, water absorption, and clay surface reactions. The paper discusses the relevance of these results to the two major questions raised by prior explorations of Mars: has there ever been abundant water on Mars, and why is the iron found in the Martian soil not readily seen in the reflectance spectra of the surface?
Document ID
19880065491
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Banin, Amos
(Jerusalem, Hebrew University Rehovot, Israel)
Carle, Glenn C.
(Hebrew Univ. of Jerusalem Rehovot, Israel)
Chang, Sherwood
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Coyne, Lelia M.
(San Jose State University CA, United States)
Orenberg, James B.
(San Francisco State University CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere
Volume: 18
Issue: 3, 19
ISSN: 0302-1688
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
88A52718
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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