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Trace Gases of Mars Atmosphere

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Aeronomy of Mars

Part of the book series: Astrophysics and Space Science Library ((ASSL,volume 469))

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Abstract

The atmosphere of Mars is primarily composed of CO2 (~ 95%) with small amounts of N2 (~ 2.6%), Ar (~ 1.9%, O2 (0.16%) and CO (~ 0.06%). The O3, H2O, SO2, NO and CH4 are the trace gases in the troposphere of Mars varying from parts per million to parts per billion (e.g. Khayat et al., J Geophys Res Planets 126(11):e2021JE006834, 2021; Farmer et al., J Geophys Res Space 82:4225–4248, 1977; Stern et al., Mars Proc Natl Acad Sci 112:4245–4250, 2015; Ojha et al., Planet Space Sci 179:104734, 2019). The CH4, H2O and O3 are involved in the green house effect, which keeps the planet warmer than it would be without an atmosphere. The SO2 is produced in the Martian atmosphere from natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions. The NO may likely come from the energy released in meteorite impact.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Planetary Sciences Division, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, India

    S. A. Haider

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  1. S. A. Haider
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Correspondence to S. A. Haider .

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Haider, S.A. (2023). Trace Gases of Mars Atmosphere. In: Aeronomy of Mars. Astrophysics and Space Science Library, vol 469. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3138-5_19

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