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Isotopic composition of nitrogen - Implications for the past history of Mars' atmosphereModels are presented for the past history of nitrogen on Mars, based on Viking measurements showing that the atmosphere is enriched in N-15. The enrichment is attributed to selective escape, with fast atoms formed in the exosphere by electron impact dissociation of N2 and by dissociative recombination of N2(+). The initial partial pressure of N2 should have been at least as large as several millibars and could have been as large as 30 millibars if surface processes were to represent an important sink for atmospheric HNO2 and HNO3.
Document ID
19760062472
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mcelroy, M. B.
(Harvard Univ. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Yung, Y. L.
(Harvard University Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Nier, A. O.
(Minnesota, University Minneapolis, Minn., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 194
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
76A45438
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-9697
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-10492
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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