The detection of carbonate in the martian soil at the Phoenix Landing site: A laboratory investigation and comparison with the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) data

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

Data collected by Phoenix Lander's Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (Phoenix-TEGA) indicate carbonate thermal decomposition at both low and high temperatures. The high-temperature thermal decomposition is consistent with calcite, dolomite, or ankerite, (3-6 wt.%) or any combination of these phase or, presumably, solid solutions of these phases having intermediate composition. The low-temperature thermal decomposition is consistent with the presence of magnesite or siderite, their solid solutions, or any combination of magnesite and siderite, and possibly other carbon-bearing phases (e.g., organics). The carbonate concentration for the low temperature release, assuming magnesite-siderite, is ˜1.0 wt.%. This revised interpretation of the Phoenix-TEGA data resulted from new laboratory measurements of carbonate decomposition at a Phoenix-like 12 mbar atmospheric pressure. Phoenix carbonate was inherited in ejecta from the Vastitas Borealis and Scandia regions, inherited from material deposited by aeolian processes, and/or formed in situ at the Phoenix Landing site (pedogenesis). Inherited carbonate implies multiple formation pathways may be represented by carbonates at the Phoenix Landing site. Soil carbonates and associated moderate alkalinity indicate that the soil pH is favorable for microbial activity at the Phoenix Landing site and presumably throughout the martian northern plains.

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

The detection of carbonate in the martian soil at the Phoenix Landing site: A laboratory investigation and comparison with the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) data 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 detection of carbonate in the martian soil at the Phoenix Landing site: A laboratory investigation and comparison with the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) data, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The detection of carbonate in the martian soil at the Phoenix Landing site: A laboratory investigation and comparison with the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) data will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1560571

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