Scientists have identified an iron-rich mineral on the surface of Mars, which suggests that the surface of the planet may be more dynamic than we thought.
Scientists have fairly A good idea of what MARS surface Looks. But exactly What This surface consists of a more mystery.
Now scientists believe that they have discovered a completely new mineral on Mars from an unusual layer of iron sulfate with a particular spectral signature. In a a Natural communications Paper published on August 5, astrobiologists led by Janice Bishop at the SETI -Institute describes the discovery of an unusual ferric hydroxyulphate composition around Valles Marineris, a vast abyss that sits along the equator of Mars. It is an area that researchers suspect ever flowed with water, and the discovery of the new mineral could offer tempting evidence of how and what natural forces carved the surface of the planet – and whether life has ever prospered to Mars.
Sulfur, an element common to Mars and land, often combines with other elements to form minerals in the form of sulfates. These minerals dissolve easily in water, but unlike the Earth, Mars has a constantly dry weather, meaning that sulfates may have remained on the surface because the planet has lost its water. To study these minerals would therefore discover important information about the early history of Mars.
The researchers explored sulfurned rich areas nearby Statement.
In one area, they found layer layers of polyhydrate sulfates, with monohydrate and iron hydroxylfates below.
They tried to recreate these in the laboratory, finding that the iron hydroxyulfate seen on Mars could only form in the presence of oxygen and that the reaction needed to produce the compound produces water. Furthermore, this could only happen at high temperatures, the researchers said, suggesting that the sulfates were formed from volcanic activity. What’s more, its structure and thermal features suggest that it is a whole new mineral.
“The material formed in these lab experiments is probably a new mineral due to its unique crystal structure and thermal stability,” Bishop said. “However, scientists must also find it on Earth to officially recognize it as a new mineral.”
