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Prospecting for Methane in Arabia Terra, Mars - First ResultsMethane has been measured in the Martian atmosphere at concentrations of approx. 10 ppb. Since the photochemical lifetime of this gas is approx. 300 years, it is likely that methane is currently being released from the surface. Possible sources for the methane include 1) hydrothermal activity, 2) serpentinization of basalts and other water-rock interactions, 3) thermal maturation of sedimentary organic matter, and 4) metabolism of living bacteria. Any such discovery would revolutionize our understanding of Mars. Longitudinal variations in methane concentration, as measured by the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer (PFS) on Mars Express, show the highest values over Arabia Terra, Elysium Planum, and Arcadia-Memnonia, suggesting localized areas of methane release. We are using orbital data and methodologies derived from petroleum exploration in an attempt to locate these release points.
Document ID
20080026005
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Allen, Carlton C. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Oehler, Dotoyhy Z. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Venechuk, Elizabeth M. (Scripps Coll. Claremont, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
March 13, 2006
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Location: League City, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: March 13, 2006
End Date: March 17, 2006
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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