Wind Mediated Oxidation of Magnetite: A Putative Mechanism for Hematite Production on Mars
Abstract
Experiments on magnetite (Fe3O4) to produce hematite (Fe2O3) under martian conditions are reported. Water and atmospheric oxygen are not involved in oxidation. The findings represent a putative mechanism for the reddish color of Mars.
- Publication:
-
42nd Annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
- Pub Date:
- March 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011LPI....42.1681M