Other
Scientific paper
Dec 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007dps....39.2425t&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #39, #24.25; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 39, p.458
Other
Scientific paper
It has been suggested that the Martian polar deposits may contain carbon dioxide (CO2) clathrate hydrates. If present, these clathrates have the potential to store large amounts of CO2. Although CO2 clathrates have been formed previously in the laboratory, there are no extensive studies categorizing their properties under Martian conditions. We present here a series of laboratory studies to explore the formation and characteristics of CO2 clathrates at low temperatures and pressures. A high vacuum chamber and low temperature cryostat, coupled with FTIR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, are used to generate and observe CO2 clathrates at Martian temperatures. For the first time, we report quantitative data regarding the cage occupancy of CO2 molecules in clathrate structure as a function of formation conditions.
In addition to storing CO2, these clathrates may also trap methane (CH4) or other volatiles from the atmosphere. Such gases could possibly be enhanced in the clathrate structure relative to the atmosphere. Recent detection of CH4 on Mars has generated interest in evaluating the sources and sinks of this trace species, and its processing in the current atmosphere. While the photochemistry of CH4 is well understood, little is known about the heterogeneous (gas-surface) reactions that may take place on Mars. We have conducted experiments to investigate the possibility that CO2 clathrates could trap CH4 molecules under Martian conditions, thus serving as a temporary sink for this molecule. The implications of our findings for the CH4 budget on Mars will be discussed.
Tolbert Margaret A.
Toon Brian O.
Trainer Melissa
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