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Published February 2011 | public
Journal Article

Geology of possible Martian methane source regions

Abstract

Recent observations of methane on Mars suggest that spatially localized source regions are present. Here we discuss the surface morphology and mineralogy of these regions, focusing on features that may provide insights into mechanisms of methane production and/or release. Preliminary trends among methane source regions include old age, deep fractures, past or present subsurface water, and the presence of hydrated minerals, sometimes including serpentine. As the spatial and temporal coverage of Martian methane is expanded, geological observations of proposed source regions will be a powerful tool for understanding the methane cycle on modern Mars.

Additional Information

© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Received 2 March 2010; Received in revised form 7 May 2010; Accepted 14 May 2010; Available online 24 May 2010. JJW thanks the Fannie & John Hertz Foundation and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program for support, and Colin Dundas and Jeff Andrews-Hanna for informative discussions. We thank Goro Komatsu and an anonymous reviewer for helpful comments.

Additional details

Created:
August 22, 2023
Modified:
October 19, 2023