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Measurement of the Isotopic Signatures of Water on Mars: Implications for Studying MethaneThe recent discovery of methane on Mars has led to much discussion concerning its origin. On Earth, the isotopic signatures of methane vary with the nature of its production. Specifically, the ratios among 12CH4, 13CH4, and 12CH3D differ for biotic and abiotic origins. On Mars, measuring these ratios would provide insights into the origins of methane and measurements of water isotopologues co-released with methane would assist in testing their chemical relationship. Since 1997, we have been measuring HDO and H2O in Mars atmosphere and comparing their ratio to that in Earth s oceans. We recently incorporated a line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM) into our analysis. Here, we present a map for [HDO]/[H2O] along the central meridian (1541W) for Ls 501. From these results, we constructed models to determine the observational conditions needed to quantify the isotopic ratios of methane in Mars atmosphere. Current ground-based instruments lack the spectral resolution and sensitivity needed to make these measurements. Measurements of the isotopologues of methane will likely require in situ sampling.
Document ID
20120011945
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Novak, R. E.
(Iona Coll. New Rochelle, NY, United States)
Mumma, M. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Villanueva, G. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
July 22, 2010
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 59
Issue: 3-Feb
Subject Category
Astronomy
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.JA.01233.2012
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-0805540
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX08AE38A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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