Mars' Long-Lost Atmosphere: Could It Be Hidden in Its Clays? 🪐

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Summary:

  1. Atmospheric Discovery
    New research from MIT geologists suggests that Mars’ missing atmosphere might be trapped in its clay-rich surface, potentially hiding in plain sight.

  2. Chemical Reactions
    Ancient water on Mars may have interacted with rocks, converting CO2 into methane and sequestering carbon in clay minerals for billions of years.

  3. Clay Minerals’ Role
    The study highlights smectite clay, which has a high capacity for trapping carbon. These minerals are abundant on Mars and can store carbon molecules for extended periods.

  4. Significant Findings
    The researchers estimate that Mars’ surface could contain up to 1.7 bar of CO2, equating to approximately 80% of its early atmospheric volume, trapped as methane within clay deposits.

  5. Implications for Future Missions
    Recovering and converting this sequestered carbon could provide propellant for future missions between Earth and Mars, opening new avenues for exploration and understanding of the planet’s history.

Read more at: Newsweek

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