Liquid CO2: A New Theory Challenges Mars‘ Watery Past
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For decades, the prevailing theory about Mars has centered on a watery past. Images of what appear to be dried-up riverbeds and lake basins have fueled speculation about ancient Martian oceans and the possibility of past life. however, a new study from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Imperial College London (ICL) is challenging this long-held belief, proposing that liquid carbon dioxide (CO2), not water, may have played a significant role in shaping the Martian surface.
The research, published recently, builds upon existing carbon sequestration research. By studying how liquid CO2 interacts with rocks, the team found that the resulting byproducts closely match the properties of minerals currently found on Mars. “The theory that liquid carbon dioxide created the Martian terrain has become persuasive through this investigation,” explained ICL researcher Samuel Kreber. “Our results provide important information to consider what type of liquid existed on the surface of Mars in the past.”
This revelation has significant implications for our understanding of Mars’ history and the potential for past life. While NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) continue to explore the Red Planet, uncovering evidence of past water flows, this new research suggests a more complex picture. “Early Mars was surrounded by a dense atmosphere,” Kreber noted. “The hypothesis that carbon dioxide was liquefied there and flowing on the surface seems realistic in its own way. carbon sequestration research, which is in the spotlight for greenhouse gas reduction, has revealed unexpected facts.”
The researchers’ findings stem from their investigation into how saltwater and supercritical CO2 interact with minerals. this led them to hypothesize that CO2 may have been incorporated into Martian minerals in the form of carbonate during the planet’s early history. “If carbon dioxide is trapped underground on Earth for carbon sequestration, saturated liquid carbon dioxide reacts surprisingly well with minerals, and Mars will be no different,” Kreber explained.”Carbonates, phyllosilicates, and by-products such as sulfate have also been detected in minerals on Mars.”
Kreber further elaborated, stating, “It is safe to say that some of the characteristics of the current minerals and surface of Mars are influenced by liquid carbon dioxide that was created by melting carbon dioxide from under the ice. I am not saying that our research is orthodox, but the current surface of Mars is affected by liquid water and liquid carbon dioxide. There is a good possibility that it was formed.” This suggests a more nuanced understanding of Martian geology,potentially involving both liquid water and liquid CO2 in shaping the planet’s features.
This research underscores the ongoing quest to understand the Red Planet and its potential to harbor life,past or present. The implications of this study extend beyond Mars, highlighting the unexpected discoveries that can arise from seemingly unrelated fields of research, such as carbon sequestration and planetary science.
Could Liquid CO2 Have Shaped Mars’ Surface?
New research is challenging long-held beliefs about the Red Planet’s history, suggesting that liquid carbon dioxide, not water, may have played a crucial role in shaping Mars’ surface features.
This article will delve deeper into these findings with Dr. Emily Carter,a planetary geologist specializing in Martian mineralogy from the University of California,Berkeley.
challenging the Watery Narrative
Senior Editor : Dr. carter, this new research seems too directly contradict the widely accepted theory that Mars once had vast bodies of liquid water.
Dr. Carter: It certainly presents a compelling choice explanation. For years,the evidence of ancient riverbeds and sediment deposits on Mars has led scientists to believe that liquid water played a dominant role in shaping its landscape. However,this research highlights a surprising possibility – that liquid CO2,perhaps even supercritical CO2,could have also contributed significantly.
CO2 and Martian Minerals
Senior Editor: How does this new research link CO2 to the formation of Martian minerals?
Dr. Carter: The researchers at MIT and ICL focused on crustacean (sic) sequestration research, wich involves studying how CO2 interacts with rock formations underground on Earth. They discovered that when liquid CO2 interacts with certain minerals, the resulting byproducts closely resemble minerals found on Mars today.
A Climate in Flux?
Senior Editor: Could Mars have had a dense atmosphere capable of liquifying CO2?
Dr. Carter: The research suggests that early Mars might have had a much denser atmosphere then it does now.Under these conditions, it’s plausible that CO2 could have liquefied, potentially flowing on the surface and interacting with the Martian terrain in ways similar to how water shapes Earth’s landscapes.
Implications for Life on Mars?
Senior Editor: What are the implications of this discovery in our search for past or present life on Mars?
dr. Carter: It certainly adds another layer of complexity to the equation.While water is widely considered a crucial ingredient for life as we certainly know it, exploring the possibility of life forms adapted to environments shaped by liquid CO2 opens up intriguing new possibilities.This research encourages us to think more broadly about the potential habitats that might have existed on Mars.
