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bbbl67
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Mars' red surface is said to be FeO rust. Rust requires Oxygen to exist. Are there any theories about where that original oxygen came from? I'm obviously trying to fish for possibilities of life in the past.
bbbl67 said:Mars' red surface is said to be FeO rust. Rust requires Oxygen to exist. Are there any theories about where that original oxygen came from? I'm obviously trying to fish for possibilities of life in the past.
If that's the case, then wouldn't Mercury be even redder, as it is even richer in iron?Dr-Flay said:...so no. Mars is not covered in rust due to the massive amount of life it must have had.
It just happens to be very rich in Iron compared to Earth.
bbbl67 said:If that's the case, then wouldn't Mercury be even redder, as it is even richer in iron?
bbbl67 said:If that's the case, then wouldn't Mercury be even redder, as it is even richer in iron?
Dr-Flay said:...
...so no. Mars is not covered in rust due to the massive amount of life it must have had.
It just happens to be very rich in Iron compared to Earth.
Mars has a thin atmosphere that is primarily composed of carbon dioxide. The lack of oxygen in the atmosphere means that iron on the surface of Mars cannot undergo the process of oxidation, which is responsible for creating rust. However, the presence of water on Mars, even in small amounts, can lead to the formation of rust.
Yes, there is evidence that there is water on Mars, both in its frozen form at the poles and in small amounts on the surface. This water, combined with the iron-rich soil on Mars, creates the perfect conditions for rust to form.
Rust, or iron oxide, forms when iron comes into contact with oxygen and water. On Earth, the oxygen in our atmosphere is constantly replenished by plants and other organisms, preventing rust from forming on a large scale. However, on Mars, the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere and the presence of water allows iron to react with oxygen and form rust.
It is possible that rust on Mars could be removed with the right technology and resources. However, due to the harsh environment and limited resources on Mars, it would be difficult and expensive to remove rust on a large scale.
The presence of rust on Mars is an important indicator of the planet's geological history. It suggests that Mars once had a thicker atmosphere with more oxygen, allowing for the oxidation of iron and the formation of rust. This could also mean that Mars was once more hospitable to life, and studying the rust on Mars could provide valuable insights into the planet's past.