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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
09:38
Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
Summary
Surface oxidation significantly depletes water (H2O) on Mars, removing it faster than previously thought. This process may have impacted the availability of water in Martian soil and ice caps over geological time.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrobiology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Exospheric escape was considered the primary mechanism for irreversible water loss on Mars.
- Previous estimates suggested a water loss rate of approximately 10(8) molecules per square centimeter per second.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the rate of water loss from the Martian atmosphere due to surface oxidation.
- To compare this loss rate with exospheric escape and assess its significance for Martian water history.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atmospheric composition and surface processes on Mars.
- Modeling of chemical reactions involved in surface oxidation and water loss.
Main Results:
- Surface oxidation removes oxygen and hydrogen from the Martian atmosphere at rates of 10(8) to 10(11) molecules per square centimeter per second.
- This corresponds to a net loss of 10(25) to 10(28) H2O molecules (10(2) to 10(5) g/cm²) over geologic time, assuming uniform loss.
- The calculated loss rate via surface oxidation significantly exceeds that of exospheric escape.
Conclusions:
- Surface oxidation represents a major, previously underestimated, irreversible sink for atmospheric water on Mars.
- This process may have played a more significant role than exospheric escape in shaping the planet's water inventory.
- Surface oxidation could have influenced the availability of water in Martian regolith and polar ice caps.
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