CO2 permafrost and Martian topography |
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| Authors: | RSt J Lambert VE Chamberlain |
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| Institution: | Department of Geology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada |
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| Abstract: | The role of CO2 permafrost as an erosive agent on Mars is considered. In the CO2H2O system, with a CO2 triple point at 217°K and 5.1-bar pressure, carbon dioxide solid, liquid, or gas, CO2 clathrate, and ice are possible stable phases in the range of temperatures and pressures likely to be encountered in the Martian regolith. It is argued that conditions may exist in which CO2 permafrost is extensive on Mars, provided that adequate CO2 is available: the maximum ratio of H2O:CO2 required in the subsurface pore space system is 17:3. Erosional processes likely to result from such permafrost are block slumping, leading to canyon development; pit chains along faults; chaotic terrain where massive permafrost destruction has occured; large-scale flows of slurry; and perhaps even the flash floods which create channels. |
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