Carbonates identified by Curiosity indicate a carbon cycle operated on Mars (Tutolo, 05/28/2025) скачать в хорошем качестве

Carbonates identified by Curiosity indicate a carbon cycle operated on Mars (Tutolo, 05/28/2025)

Speaker: Benjamin Tutolo, University of Calgary Full Title: Carbonates identified by the Curiosity rover indicate a carbon cycle operated on ancient Mars Abstract: Ancient Mars had surface liquid water and a dense carbon dioxide (CO2)–rich atmosphere. Such an atmosphere would interact with crustal rocks, potentially leaving a mineralogical record of its presence. We analyzed the composition of an 89-meter stratigraphic section of Gale crater, Mars, using data collected by the Curiosity rover. An iron carbonate mineral, siderite, occurs in abundances of 4.8 to 10.5 weight %, colocated with highly water-soluble salts. We infer that the siderite formed in water- limited conditions, driven by water-rock reactions and evaporation. Comparison with orbital data indicates that similar strata (deposited globally) sequestered the equivalent of 2.6 to 36 millibar of atmospheric CO2. The presence of iron oxyhydroxides in these deposits indicates that a partially closed carbon cycle on ancient Mars returned some previously sequestered CO2 to the atmosphere. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Planetary Science Institute is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to Solar System exploration. It is headquartered in Tucson, AZ, where it was founded in 1972. In 2016 PSI established a second office in Lakewood, CO (near Denver). PSI scientists and educators are involved in numerous NASA and international missions, the study of Mars, Earth, and other planets, the Moon, asteroids, comets, interplanetary dust, impact physics, the origin of the solar system, extrasolar planet formation, dynamics, the rise of life, and other areas of research. They conduct fieldwork on all continents of the Earth to understand our planet and others. They are also actively involved around the world in science education and public outreach through school programs, children's books, popular science books, podcasts, and art. To support our education and outreach activities, please donate here: https://psi.edu/support For the latest in planetary science news and content from PSI, come find us on all our media sites: Twitter:   / planetarysci   Facebook:   / planetarysci   Instagram:   / planetary.sci   LinkedIn:   / planetary-science-institute   Please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for notifications!