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Volcanic recycling of carbonates on MarsThermal erosion of carbonate deposits by turbulently-flowing lava is investigated as a means of recycling carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere of Mars. Erosion rates of several meters/day are found, implying that up to hundreds of meters of carbonate could be removed over the lifetime of a flow. A large fraction of the northern plains and other parts of Mars were covered by lava during the Hesperian, and may have released the carbon dioxide trapped in carbonate deposits. This period of time, several times 10 exp 8 yrs, is comparable to that for the redeposition of such carbonate deposits. Therefore, there could have existed a relatively dense atmosphere, and enhanced weathering and erosion, after the Noachian era. This may help explain the apparent observational evidence for late fluvial and lacustrine activity on Mars.
Document ID
19930054094
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schaefer, M. W.
(Maryland Univ., College Park; NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
May 7, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 20
Issue: 9
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93A38091
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2889
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1694
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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