IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOHYDROUS HISTORY OF MARS

ABSTRACT We have shown that clays, carbonates, α-Fe 2 O 3 , and Fe 3 O 4 . impart an alkaline state to aqueous solutions that govern the rate of decomposition of H 2 O 2 . In the presence of these materials singly, the production of 14 CO 2 from the oxidative decarboxylation process catalyzed by γ-Fe 2 O 3 is strongly inhibited. Because the results of the Viking Labeled Release Experiment were simulated exactly by the γ-Fe 2 O 3 /H 2 O 2 system, we conclude that these materials (clays, etc.) are not in such an abundance as to quench the peroxidase activity demonstrated on Mars. Because these materials are generally formed in an aqueous environment, we conclude that Mars has had a very long hypohydrous history.