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Evidence for the distribution of perchlorates on Mars

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2015

Benton C. Clark  and
Samuel P. Kounaves
Benton C. Clark*
Affiliation:
Space Science Institute, 4750 Walnut, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Samuel P. Kounaves
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
*
e-mail: bclark@spacescience.org
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Abstract

Various Mars missions have detected Cl atoms, chlorides and perchlorates in martian surface materials. The global soils, in particular, always contain significant levels of observable Cl. Direct evidence points to this Cl being in the form of both chlorides and perchlorates, and possibly also chlorates and other oxychlorines. The most widespread measurements have been of Cl atoms, and cannot discern the chemical form. However, from separate evidence of perchlorate obtained at high latitudes (Phoenix lander) and low latitudes (Curiosity rover), it is likely that perchlorates are widespread, albeit in varying proportions relative to the total amount of ubiquitous Cl.

Keywords

chlorideClhabitabilityMarsoxychlorineperchloratesaltssulphatewater
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 15 , Special Issue 4: The history and philosophy of the Origin of Life , October 2016 , pp. 311 - 318
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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