Feldman WC, Boynton WV, Tokar RL, Prettyman TH, Gasnault O, Squyres SW, Elphic RC, Lawrence DJ, Lawson SL, Maurice S, McKinney GW, Moore KR, Reedy RC. Global distribution of neutrons from Mars: results from Mars odyssey.
Science 2002;
297:75-8. [PMID:
12040088 DOI:
10.1126/science.1073541]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 395] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Global distributions of thermal, epithermal, and fast neutron fluxes have been mapped during late southern summer/northern winter using the Mars Odyssey Neutron Spectrometer. These fluxes are selectively sensitive to the vertical and lateral spatial distributions of H and CO2 in the uppermost meter of the martian surface. Poleward of +/-60 degrees latitude is terrain rich in hydrogen, probably H2O ice buried beneath tens of centimeter-thick hydrogen-poor soil. The central portion of the north polar cap is covered by a thick CO2 layer, as is the residual south polar cap. Portions of the low to middle latitudes indicate subsurface deposits of chemically and/or physically bound H2O and/or OH.
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