Limits on methane release and generation via hypervelocity impact of Martian analogue materials

Price, M. C., Ramkissoon, N. K., McMahon, S., Miljkovi?, K., Parnell, J., Wozniakiewicz, Penelope J., Kearsley, A. T., Blamey, N. J. F., Cole, M. J., Burchell, M. J. and others. (2014) Limits on methane release and generation via hypervelocity impact of Martian analogue materials. International Journal of Astrobiology, 13 (02). pp. 132-140. ISSN 1473-5504. E-ISSN 1475-3006. (doi:10.1017/S1473550413000384) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:43558)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1473550413000384

Abstract

The quantity of methane in Mars' atmosphere, and the potential mechanism(s) responsible for its production, are still unknown. In order to test viable, abiotic, methangenic processes, we experimentally investigated two possible impact mechanisms for generating methane. In the first suite of experiments, basaltic rocks were impacted at 5 km s?1 and the quantity of gases (CH4, H2, He, N2, O2, Ar and CO2) released by the impacts was measured. In the second suite of experiments, a mixture of water ice, CO2 ice and anhydrous olivine grains was impacted to see if the shock induced rapid serpentinization of the olivine, and thus production of methane. The results of both suites of experiments demonstrate that impacts (at scales achievable in the laboratory) do not give rise to detectably enhanced quantities of methane release above background levels. Supporting hydrocode modelling was also performed to gain insight into the pressures and temperatures occurring during the impact events.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1017/S1473550413000384
Subjects:	Q Science Q Science > QB Astronomy
Divisions:	Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Funders:	Science and Technology Facilities Council (https://ror.org/057g20z61)
Depositing User:	Mark Burchell
Date Deposited:	21 Oct 2014 14:03 UTC
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2024 10:27 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/43558 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Price, M. C..

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Wozniakiewicz, Penelope J..

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1441-4883
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Cole, M. J..

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Burchell, M. J..

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2680-8943
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