1987Lunar and Planetary Science ConferenceRequires access

Water on Mars

H. Waenke, G. Dreibus

Open publisher page 1 citations

Abstract

It is reported that the SNC meteorites are a factor of 2 richer in moderately volatile elements (Na, K, P, etc.) and some volatile elements (Cl, Br, I, S) compared to the Earth and Mars. It is proposed that Mars accreted homogeneously, with the result that all the water except trace amounts (on reaction with metallic Fe) was converted to H(sub 2) and escaped. This model predicts a total Mars H(sub 2)O inventory of 18 ppm (equivalent to an ocean 80 m deep on the planet), and a value for Earth of 300 ppm, close to the actual abundance.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

It is reported that the SNC meteorites are a factor of 2 richer in moderately volatile elements (Na, K, P, etc.) and some volatile elements (Cl, Br, I, S) compared to the Earth and Mars. It is proposed that Mars accreted homogeneously, with the result that all the water except trace amounts (on reaction with metallic Fe) was converted to H(sub 2) and escaped. This model predicts a total Mars H(sub 2)O inventory of 18 ppm (equivalent to an ocean 80 m deep on the planet), and a value for Earth of 300 ppm, close to the actual abundance.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 1 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

It is reported that the SNC meteorites are a factor of 2 richer in moderately volatile elements (Na, K, P, etc.) and some volatile elements (Cl, Br, I, S) compared to the Earth and Mars. It is proposed that Mars accreted homogeneously, with the result that all the water except trace amounts (on reaction with metallic Fe) was converted to H(sub 2) and escaped. This model predicts a total Mars H(sub 2)O inventory of 18 ppm (equivalent to an ocean 80 m deep on the planet), and a value for Earth of 300 ppm, close to the actual abundance.

Key concepts: Mars Exploration Program, Astrobiology, Meteorite, Earth (classical element), Planet, Chondrite, Geology, Environmental science

Related papers

Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
Water on Mars — Research Paper | ScholarLens