Surface solvation of Martian salt analogues at low relative humidities
Xiangrui Kong, Suyun Zhu, Andrey Shavorskiy, Jun Li, Wanyu Liu, Pablo Corral Arroyo, Ruth Signorell, Sen Wang, Jan B. C. Pettersson
Abstract
O. Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measurements show that the magnesium and sodium spectra are sensitive to the presence of water, and the results imply that the surface is fully solvated already at RH = 5%. The surface solvation is also fully reversible as the RH is reduced. No major differences are observed between sample types and sample locations, indicating that the salts originated from saline lakes commonly have solvated surfaces under the environmental conditions on Earth.
Topics & Concepts
SolvationMartianMartian surfaceSalt (chemistry)AstrobiologyChemical physicsChemical engineeringChemistryMaterials sciencePhysical chemistryPhysicsMars Exploration ProgramOrganic chemistryMoleculeEngineeringPlanetary Science and ExplorationAstro and Planetary ScienceAtmospheric chemistry and aerosols