Viking experiments on Mars
Abstract
It is hypothesized that the reversible conversion of yellow siderite to red-brown limonite and of limonite to a greenish blend of lepidocrocite and goethite occurs on a large scale on the surface of Mars. As the direction in which these reactions proceed is temperature-dependent, this hypothesis would explain observed seasonal variations in the color of Mars. The cycle of hydration and dehydration reactions is consistent with observed changes in the polar caps of the planet. The hypothesis also provides an explanation for positive results in Viking experiments to detect the presence of life.
- Publication:
-
Memoires Scientifiques de la Revue de Metallurgie
- Pub Date:
- April 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977MeSRM..74..261R
- Keywords:
-
- Mars Atmosphere;
- Mars Surface;
- Viking Mars Program;
- Annual Variations;
- Astronomical Models;
- Chemical Reactions;
- Extraterrestrial Life;
- Limonite;
- Mars Environment;
- Polar Caps;
- Siderites;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration