Martian geochemistry: Deep water sources

The idea that there was once an ocean on Mars is gaining acceptance, based mainly on the observation of surface features on the planet. Volcanic outgassing has been suggested as a possible source of water, but the interior of Mars appears lacking in water, as evident from the 'dry' martian meteorites that have made their way to Earth. A new set of analyses from samples from the Shergotty meteorite, now provides geochemical evidence the presence of large quantities of water within Mars. Comparisons of soluble trace elements between the inner cores and the outer rims of pyroxene minerals in the meteorite suggest that water was present deep beneath the martin surface, and was lost — perhaps providing the water necessary for an ocean — as the pyroxenes were carried to the surface during magma ascent.

Geochemical evidence for magmatic water within Mars from pyroxenes in the Shergotty meteorite
HARRY Y. MCSWEEN, JR TIMOTHY L. GROVE, RACHEL C. F. LENTZ, JESSE C. DANN, ASTRID H. HOLZHEID, LEE R. RICIPUTI, JEFFREY G. RYAN
Nature 409, 487-490 (25 January 2001)
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space: Rising damp on the red planet
Magma may have provided the water that etched gullies on Mars' surface. (25 January 2001)

25 January 2001 table of contents