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GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 32, L10203, doi:10.1029/2005GL022691, 2005

Have olivine, will gas: Serpentinization and the abiogenic production of methane on Mars

Christopher Oze

Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA


Mukul Sharma

Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA


Abstract

Spatial variability of methane (CH4) on Mars suggests the presence of localized subsurface sources. Here, we show that olivine hydration in the Martian regolith and crust may be a major CH4 source, which contributed significantly to the warming of early Mars. Methane production is kinetically and thermodynamically favored during low-T aqueous alteration of olivine-rich rocks. Sustained release of CH4 on present-day Mars may come through the breakdown of ancient CH4 hydrates and from springs driven by geothermal heat.

Received 11 February 2005; accepted 28 April 2005; published 26 May 2005.

Index Terms: 1011 Geochemistry: Thermodynamics (0766, 3611, 8411); 1012 Geochemistry: Reactions and phase equilibria (3612, 8412); 1060 Geochemistry: Planetary geochemistry (5405, 5410, 5704, 5709, 6005, 6008); 6225 Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars.

Subscriber Access to Full Article (Nonsubscribers may purchase for $9.00, Includes print PDF, file size: 136847 bytes)

Citation: Oze, C., and M. Sharma (2005), Have olivine, will gas: Serpentinization and the abiogenic production of methane on Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L10203, doi:10.1029/2005GL022691.