Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000psrd.repte..39t&link_type=abstract
Planetary Science Research Discoveries
Computer Science
Mars, Meteorite, Water, Alteration
Scientific paper
Two studies shed light on the nature and timing of alteration by water of rocks from Mars. One is an experimental study of the alteration of a rock similar to Martian meteorites, conducted by Leslie Baker, Deborah Agenbroad, and Scott Wood (University of Idaho). They exposed crushed pieces of terrestrial lava flows to water at 23 C and 75 C and normal atmospheric pressure, and to hot water at 200 C to 400 C and a pressure 1000 times normal atmospheric to see what minerals would form. On the basis of a detailed comparison between the experimental products and the Martian meteorites Baker and colleagues conclude that the rocks from which Martian meteorites derived were intermittently exposed to water or water vapor; they were not exposed for a long time to large volumes of water. In an independent study, a team led by Tim Swindle (University of Arizona) tried to determine the time of formation of a reddish-brown alteration product in the Martian meteorite Lafayette. This meteorite appears to have formed from magma 1.3 billion years ago, but the rusty-looking weathering product, a mixture of clay minerals, iron oxide, and iron hydride, formed long after the original rock had crystallized. Although the precise time is not pinned down, their measurements indicate formation during the past 650 million years. Taken together, these studies suggest that water flowed intermittently on the surface of Mars during the past 650 million years.
No associations
LandOfFree
Liquid Water on Mars: The Story from Meteorites 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 Liquid Water on Mars: The Story from Meteorites, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Liquid Water on Mars: The Story from Meteorites will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1200526