Computer Science
Scientific paper
Feb 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011p%26ss...59..163n&link_type=abstract
Planetary and Space Science, Volume 59, Issue 2-3, p. 163-168.
Computer Science
2
Scientific paper
The recent discovery of methane on Mars has led to much discussion concerning its origin. On Earth, the isotopic signatures of methane vary with the nature of its production. Specifically, the ratios among 12CH4, 13CH4, and 12CH3D differ for biotic and abiotic origins. On Mars, measuring these ratios would provide insights into the origins of methane and measurements of water isotopologues co-released with methane would assist in testing their chemical relationship. Since 1997, we have been measuring HDO and H2O in Mars’ atmosphere and comparing their ratio to that in Earth’s oceans. We recently incorporated a line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM) into our analysis. Here, we present a map for [HDO]/[H2O] along the central meridian (154°W) for Ls=50°. From these results, we constructed models to determine the observational conditions needed to quantify the isotopic ratios of methane in Mars’ atmosphere. Current ground-based instruments lack the spectral resolution and sensitivity needed to make these measurements. Measurements of the isotopologues of methane will likely require in situ sampling.
Mumma Michael J.
Novak Robert E.
Villanueva Geronimo L.
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