Methane clathrate hydrates as a potential source for martian atmospheric methane

被引:96
作者
Chastain, Brendon K. [1 ]
Chevrier, Vincent [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Arkansas, Arkansas Ctr Space & Planetary Sci, WM Keck Lab Space Simulat, Fayetteville, AR 72701 USA
关键词
Mars; atmosphere-methane; clathrates; astrobilogy;
D O I
10.1016/j.pss.2007.02.003
中图分类号
P1 [天文学];
学科分类号
0704 ;
摘要
Small amounts of methane have been detected in the atmosphere of Mars, though the actual sources of the gas remain unknown. Thermodynamic conditions on Mars suggest that gas clathrate hydrate deposits might exist at the polar caps and in some areas of the planetary subsurface. We review the literature available on the detection of methane in the martian atmosphere and the presence of gas clathrate hydrates on Mars. The possibility of martian methane clathrate deposits is established, and initial sources for the sequestered methane are discussed. Based on correlated data and information from disparate sources, we conclude that subsurface methane clathrate deposits are a possible immediate source for the observed atmospheric methane on Mars. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
引用
收藏
页码:1246 / 1256
页数:11
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