Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006agufm.p23e0117t&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006, abstract #P23E-0117
Physics
0343 Planetary Atmospheres (5210, 5405, 5704), 0714 Clathrate, 5422 Ices, 6225 Mars
Scientific paper
Recent detection of methane (CH4) on Mars has generated interest in evaluating the source of this trace species and its role 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. Understanding the complete processing of CH4 will help determine whether this trace species may be an indicator of past or present life. The existence of currently unknown sources or sinks of CH4 may help explain the variability observed in CH4 concentration despite its long photochemical lifetime. It has been suggested that the Martian polar deposits may contain carbon dioxide (CO2) clathrate hydrates. These clathrates may store large amounts of CO2, and may also trap CH4 molecules from the atmosphere. Here we will describe a laboratory study to evaluate the ability of CO2 clathrates to form at the Martian poles and serve as a sink for CH4 gas. Although CO2 clathrates have been observed in the laboratory, there have not been experimental studies performed specifically for Mars using appropriate temperatures and vapor concentrations. We will use a high vacuum chamber and low temperature cryostat to generate CO2 clathrates using conditions and substrates relevant to Mars. We will also measure the amount of CH4 taken up into the clathrate structure. Future goals for the project involve using the laboratory measurements to include a heterogeneous chemistry component in a Mars General Circulation Model (GCM), thereby creating a more complete picture of the processing of CH4 on Mars.
Tolbert Margaret A.
Toon Brian O.
Trainer Melissa G.
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