Abstract
The Phoenix mission investigated patterned ground and weather in the northern arctic region of Mars for 5 months starting 25 May 2008 (solar longitude between 76.5° and 148°). A shallow ice table was uncovered by the robotic arm in the center and edge of a nearby polygon at depths of 5 to 18 centimeters. In late summer, snowfall and frost blanketed the surface at night; H2O ice and vapor constantly interacted with the soil. The soil was alkaline (pH = 7.7) and contained CaCO3, aqueous minerals, and salts up to several weight percent in the indurated surface soil. Their formation likely required the presence of water.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 58-61 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 325 |
Issue number | 5936 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 3 2009 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General