Experimental constraints on the stable-isotope systematics of CO 2 ice/vapor systems and relevance to the study of Mars

Computer Science – Performance

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

5

Scientific paper

Variations in the isotopic compositions of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon in the near-surface environment of Mars are likely influenced by condensation, evaporation, and sublimation of major volatile species (H 2 O, CO 2 ). We present here an experimental study of the fractionations of 18 O/ 16 O and 13 C/ 12 C ratios between CO 2 ice and vapor at conditions relevant to the present near-surface of Mars; these experiments constrain isotopic variations generated by the current Martian CO 2 condensation/sublimation cycle. Oxygen-isotope fractionation between ice and vapor ( ice-vapor = 1000 · ln ([ 18 O ice / 16 O ice ] / [ 18 O vapor / 16 O vapor ]) varies approximately linearly vs. 1/T between temperatures of 150 and 130 K (from 4.2 and 7.5 , respectively). Carbon isotopes are unfractionated ( 13 C ice-vapor 0.2 ) at temperatures 135 K and only modestly fractionated ( 13 C ice-vapor 0.4 ) at temperatures between 135 and 130 K. Martian atmospheric volumes that are residual to high extents of condensation (i.e., at high latitudes during the winter) may vary in 18 O by up to tens of per mil, depending on the scales and mechanisms of ice/vapor interaction and atmospheric mixing. Precise (i.e., per mil level) examination of the Martian atmosphere or ices could be used as a tool for examining the Martian climate; at present such precision is only likely to be had from laboratory study of returned samples or substantial advances in the performance of mass spectrometers on landers and/or orbital spacecraft. Oxygen-isotope fractionations accompanying the CO 2 condensation/sublimation cycle may play a significant role in the oxygen-isotope geochemistry of secondary phases formed in SNC meteorites, in particular as a means of generating 18 O-depleted volatile reservoirs.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Experimental constraints on the stable-isotope systematics of CO 2 ice/vapor systems and relevance to the study 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 Experimental constraints on the stable-isotope systematics of CO 2 ice/vapor systems and relevance to the study of Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Experimental constraints on the stable-isotope systematics of CO 2 ice/vapor systems and relevance to the study of Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1493907

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.