Reaction of Basaltic Materials under High-Fidelity Venus Surface Conditions using the Glenn Extreme Environment Rig: First ResultsBoth historical and current investigations of Venus suggest that atmosphererock interactions play a critical role in the evolution of its atmosphere and crust. We have begun a series of systematic experiments designed to further our understanding of atmosphere-driven weathering and secondary mineralization of basaltic materials that may be occurring on Venus today. Our experiments expose representative igneous phases (mineral, glasses and rocks) to a high-fidelity simulation of Venus surface conditions using the NASA Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER) located at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. GEER is a very large (800L) vessel capable of producing a long-term, high fidelity simulation of both the physical conditions (750 K and 92 bar) and atmospheric chemistry (down to the ppb-level) asso-ciated with the Venusian surface. As of this writing we have just finished the first of several planned experiments: a 42-day exposure of selected mineral, rocks and volcanic glasses. Our goal is to identify and prioritize the reactions taking place and better our understanding of their importance in Venus' climate history.
Document ID
20170007205
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Radoman-Shaw, Brandon (Case Western Reserve Univ. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Harvey, Ralph (Case Western Reserve Univ. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Costa, Gustavo (Vantage Partners, LLC Cleveland, OH, United States)
Nakley, Leah Michelle (HX5 Sierra, LLC Cleveland, OH, United States)
Jacobson, Nathan S. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
August 1, 2017
Publication Date
April 4, 2016
Subject Category
Chemistry And Materials (General)Geosciences (General)