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Simultaneous adsorption of CO2 and H2O under Mars-like conditions and application to the evolution of the Martian climateThe Martian regolith is the most substantial volatile reservoir on the planet; estimates of its adsorbed inventory have been based on simple measurements of the adsorption of either water or CO2 in isolation. Under some conditions, H2O can poison adsorbate surfaces, such that CO2 uptake is greatly reduced. We have made the first measurements of the simultaneous adsorption of CO2 and H2O under conditions appropriate to the Martian regolith and have found that at H2O monolayer coverage above about 0.5, CO2 begins to be displaced into the gas phase. We have developed an empirical expression that describes our co-adsorption data and have applied it to standard models of the Martian regolith. We find that currently, H2O does not substantially displace CO, implying that the adsorbate inventories previously derived may be accurate, not more than 3-4 kPa (30-40 mbar). No substantial increase in atmospheric pressure is predicted at higher obliquities because high-latitude ground ice buffers the partial pressure of H2O in the pores, preventing high monolayer coverages of H2O from displacing CO2. The peak atmospheric pressure at high obliquity does increase as the total inventory of exchangeable CO2 increases.
Document ID
19980210064
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Zent, Aaron, P.
(Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Inst. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Quinn, Richard C.
(Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Inst. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 18, 2013
Publication Date
March 25, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: MSATT
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Volume: 100
Issue: E3
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
Paper-94JE01899
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 155-01-60-02
PROJECT: RTOP 155-01-60-11
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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