They suggest that during the presence of water on Mars, liquid may have flowed through certain rock types, triggering a slow chain reaction that gradually pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converted it to methane, a form of carbon that could be stored. In clay for eons.
courtesy of researcher
The researchers applied their knowledge of the interactions between rocks and gases on Earth to how similar processes might play out on Mars. They found that the amount of clay covering the surface of Mars could contain up to 1.7 bar of CO .2This represents about 80% of the planet’s early atmosphere. “In some ways, Mars’ missing atmosphere may be hiding in plain sight,” Murray said.
Researchers believe this sequestered carbon could one day be recovered and converted into propellant to fuel future missions between Mars and Earth.
