MIT researchers propose that Mars' missing atmosphere may be stored in clay-rich crust, containing up to 80% of its original atmosphere.
MIT researchers propose that Mars' missing atmosphere may be stored in its clay-rich crust. They suggest that, 3.5 billion years ago, water reacting with iron-rich rocks converted atmospheric carbon dioxide into methane, which was then trapped in clay minerals. Their findings indicate that this clay could hold up to 1.7 bar of carbon dioxide, roughly 80% of Mars' original atmosphere, and the methane could serve as a fuel source for future Mars missions.
September 25, 2024
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