The role of thermal vapor diffusion in the subsurface hydrologic evolution of Mars

Details The role of thermal vapor diffusion in the subsurface hydrologic evolution of Mars The role of thermal vapor diffusion in the subsurface hydrologic evolution of Mars

Nov 1991

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991georl..18.2055c&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters (ISSN 0094-8276), vol. 18, Nov. 1991, p. 2055-2058.

Mathematics

Logic

28

Gaseous Diffusion, Hydrology, Mars Surface, Planetary Crusts, Planetary Evolution, Thermal Diffusion, Water Vapor, Gas Transport, Ground Water, Planetary Temperature, Temperature Gradients, Vapor Pressure

Scientific paper

The hydrologic response of groundwater to the thermal evolution of the early martian crust is considered. When a temperature gradient is present in a moist porous medium, it gives rise to a vapor-pressure gradient that drives the diffusion of water vapor from regions of high to low temperature. By this process, a geothermal gradient as small as 15 K/km could drive the vertical transport of 1 km of water to the freezing front at the base of the martian crysophere every 10 exp 6-10 exp 7 years, or the equivalent of about 100-1000 km of water over the course of martian geologic history. Models of the thermal history of Mars suggest that this thermally-driven vapor flux may have been as much as 3-5 times greater in the past. The magnitude of this transport suggests that the process of geothermally-induced vapor diffusion may have played a critical role in the initial emplacement of ground ice and the subsequent geomorphic and geochemical evolution of the martian crust.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The role of thermal vapor diffusion in the subsurface hydrologic evolution of Mars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The role of thermal vapor diffusion in the subsurface hydrologic evolution of Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The role of thermal vapor diffusion in the subsurface hydrologic evolution of Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1717541