How the Formation of Solid-Gas Carbonates on Mars Could Unlock Its Geological History
A study conducted by researchers from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has revealed a new process for the formation of solid carbonates on Mars. The process, known as solidgas carbonate formation events (SCFEs), could be the key to understanding how the Red Planet formed and evolved over time. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggests that SCFEs could be responsible for the formation of carbonate rocks, which are solid minerals made up of carbon and oxygen. The SCFE process involves a combination of gases in the Martian atmosphere, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, reacting with dust particles on the surface of the planet. This reaction creates a solid carbonate material, which can then form rocks. The researchers believe that this process could be responsible for the formation of some of the oldest rocks on Mars, which are estimated to be up to 4.4 billion years old. This new research could help scientists better understand the history of Mars and how its climate has evolved over time.
source: Phys.org