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Heterogeneous phase reactions of Martian volatiles with putative regolith mineralsThe chemical reactivity of several minerals thought to be present in Martian fines is tested with respect to gases known in the Martian atmosphere. In these experiments, liquid water is excluded from the system, environmental temperatures are maintained below 0 C, and the solar illumination spectrum is stimulated in the visible and UV using a xenon arc lamp. Reactions are detected by mass spectrometric analysis of the gas phase over solid samples. No reactions were detected for Mars nominal gas over sulfates, nitrates, chloride, nontronite clay, or magnetite. Oxidation was not observed for basaltic glass, nontronite, and magnetite. However, experiments incorporating SO2 gas an expected product of volcanism and intrusive volatile release - gave positive results. Displacement of CO2 by SO2 occurred in all four carbonates tested. These reactions are catalyzed by irradiation with the solar simulator. A calcium nitrate hydrate released NO2 in the presence of SO2. These results have implications for the cycling of atmospheric CO2, H2O, and N2 through the regolith.
Document ID
19800051892
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Clark, B. C.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO, United States)
Kenley, S. L.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO, United States)
Obrien, D. L.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace, Planetary Sciences Laboratory, Denver Colo., United States)
Huss, G. R.
(New Mexico, University Albuquerque, N. Mex., United States)
Mack, R.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Baird, A. K.
(Pomona College Claremont, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Molecular Evolution
Volume: 14
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
80A36062
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-9000
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-11855
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-11858
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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