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

M. C. Price, N. K. Ramkissoon, S. McMahon, K. Miljković, J. Parnell, P. J. Wozniakiewicz, A. T. Kearsley, N. J.F. Blamey, M. J. Cole, M. J. Burchell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

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 CO 2) 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)132-140
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology
Volume13
Issue number2
Early online date13 Nov 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2014

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