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Hydrogen Isotopic Constraints on the Evolution of Surface and Subsurface Water on MarsThe geology and geomorphology of Mars provide clear evidence for the presence of liquid water on its surface during the Noachian and Hesperien eras (i.e., >3 Ga). In contrast to the ancient watery environment, today the surface of Mars is relatively dry. The current desert-like surface conditions, however, do not necessarily indicate a lack of surface or near-surface water/ice. In fact, massive deposits of ground ice and/or icy sediments have been proposed based on subsurface radar sounder observations. Hence, accurate knowledge of both the evolution of the distribution of water and of the global water inventory is crucial to our understanding of the evolution of the climate and near-surface environments and the potential habitability of Mars. This study presents insights from hydrogen isotopes for the interactive evolution of Martian water reservoirs. In particular, based on our new measurement of the D/H ratio of 4 Ga-old Noachian water, we constrain the atmospheric loss and possible exchange of surface and subsurface water through time.
Document ID
20170001749
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Usui, T.
(Tokyo Institute of Technology Tokyo, Japan)
Kurokawa, H.
(Tokyo Institute of Technology Tokyo, Japan)
Wang, J.
(Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington, DC, United States)
Alexander, C. M. O’D.
(Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington, DC, United States)
Simon, J. I.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Jones, J. H.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
February 22, 2017
Publication Date
March 20, 2017
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-38706
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: March 20, 2017
End Date: March 24, 2017
Sponsors: Lunar and Planetary Inst.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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