Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Importing Ammonia
Another more intricate method uses ammonia as a powerful greenhouse gas. It is
possible that large amounts of it exist in frozen form on minor planets orbiting
in the outer solar system. It may be possible to move these and send them into
Mars' atmosphere. Because ammonia (NH
3
) is mostly nitrogen by weight, it could
also supply the buffer gas for the atmosphere. Sustained smaller impacts will also
contribute to increases in the temperature and mass of the atmosphere.
The need for a buffer gas is a challenge that will face any potential atmosphere
builders. On Earth, nitrogen is the primary atmospheric component, making up 78 %
of the atmosphere. Mars would require a similar buffer gas component although
not necessarily as much. Obtaining sufficient quantities of nitrogen, argon, or some
other comparatively inert gas is difficult.
Importing Hydrocarbons
Another way to create a Martian atmosphere would be to import methane or other
hydrocarbons, which are common in Titan's atmosphere (and on its surface). The
methane could be vented into the atmosphere where it would act to compound the
greenhouse effect.
Methane (or other hydrocarbons) could be helpful to increase atmospheric
pressure. These gases also can be used to produce water and CO
2
for the Martian
atmosphere:
CH
4
C
4Fe
2
O
3
!
CO
2
C
2H
2
O
C
8FeO
This reaction could probably be initiated by heat or by Martian solar UV irradiation.
Large amounts of the resulting products (CO
2
and water) are necessary for
photosynthesis, which would be the next step in terraforming.
Importing Hydrogen
Hydrogen could be imported for atmosphere and hydrosphere engineering. For
example, hydrogen could react with iron(III) oxide from the Martian soil, which
would give water as a product:
H
2
C
Fe
2
O
3
!
H
2
O
C
2FeO
Depending on the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, importation and
reaction of hydrogen would produce heat, water, and graphite via the Bosch
reaction. Alternatively, reacting hydrogen with the carbon dioxide atmosphere via
the Sabatier reaction would yield methane and water.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search