Nature and Evolution of the Early Martian Atmosphere: Evidence from Highland Crater Populations
Abstract
Release of water in a CO2 rich atmosphere by precipitation and channel forming processes has led to speculation on the creation of Martian carbonate deposits. On Mars water probably was not on the surface long enough to allow eroded material to concentrate, raise the pH, and induce the formation of carbonates. This suggests that the Martian primordial atmosphere could be thinner (approximately 5 bars) and still allow highland degradation to occur over a long period of time (.45 to 1.2 billion years).
- Publication:
-
Evolution of the Martian Atmosphere
- Pub Date:
- 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992LPICo.787....7C
- Keywords:
-
- Carbon Dioxide;
- Craters;
- Highlands;
- Mars Atmosphere;
- Planetary Evolution;
- Surface Water;
- Mars Surface;
- Morphology;
- Ph;
- Planetary Geology;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration