The yellow-brown metal was detected by X-ray absorption test and electron microscopy in samples found at depths of 1000 meters
In detail, the researchers believe their finding supports a theory that suggested this Mars It may have been covered in an ice blanket billions of years ago, and that this mulch contained dust that was blown into it, which led to the formation of jarsite in the ice pockets.
In Antarctica, the team led by Giovanni Bacolo of the University of Milan-Bicocca discovered the yellow-brown metal with an X-ray absorption test and electron microscopy in samples found below 1,000 meters.
Jaroset was adherent to the silica-rich residual particles, which were identified in the Talus Dome ice core and were interpreted as weathering products involving aeolian dust and acid aerosols.
«The gradual increase in ice shifting and recrystallization with depth favors the transport of dust, its concentration and the formation of acidic brines in isolated environments, allowing chemical reactions and new mineral formation to occur,» as stated in their paper. «This is the first described mechanism of English evolution that occurs in deep Antarctic ice and supports a model of glacial weathering of jarrosite formation on Mars.»
Although their findings support the model, they still have to come up with a solid explanation as to why Antarctica contains small amounts of jarrosite while the mineral on the Red Planet is found in large plates.
