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Strong Water Isotopic Anomalies in the Martian Atmosphere: Probing Current and Ancient ReservoirsWe measured maps of atmospheric water (H2O) and its deuterated form (HDO) across the martian globe, showing strong isotopic anomalies and a significant high deuterium/hydrogen (D/H) enrichment indicative of great water loss. The maps sample the evolution of sublimation from the north polar cap, revealing that the released water has a representative D/H value enriched by a factor of about 7 relative to Earth's ocean [Vienna standard mean ocean water (VSMOW)]. Certain basins and orographic depressions show even higher enrichment, whereas high-altitude regions show much lower values (1 to 3 VSMOW). Our atmospheric maps indicate that water ice in the polar reservoirs is enriched in deuterium to at least 8 VSMOW, which would mean that early Mars (4.5 billion years ago) had a global equivalent water layer at least 137 meters deep.
Document ID
20150007120
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Villanueva, G. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Mumma, M. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Novak, R. E.
(Iona Coll. New Rochelle, NY, United States)
Käufl, H. U.
(European Southern Observatory Munich, Germany)
Hartogh, P.
(Max-Planck Inst. for Solar System Research Germany)
Encrenaz, T.
(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon France)
Tokunaga, A.
(Hawaii Univ. at Manoa Honolulu, HI, United States)
Khayat, A.
(Hawaii Univ. at Manoa Honolulu, HI, United States)
Smith, M. D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
May 1, 2015
Publication Date
April 10, 2015
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 348
Issue: 6231
ISSN: 1095-9203
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN31203
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 344-53-51
PROJECT: RTOP 344-32-07
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST 0805540
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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