Probing the Atmospheric Cl Isotopic Ratio on Mars: Implications for Planetary Evolution and Atmospheric Chemistry

DOI: 
10.1029/2021GL092650
Publication date: 
24/05/2021
Main author: 
Liuzzi, Giuliano
IAA authors: 
Lopez-Moreno, Jóse Juan
Authors: 
Liuzzi, Giuliano;Villanueva, Geronimo L.;Viscardy, Sebastien;Mège, Daniel;Crismani, Matteo M. J.;Aoki, Shohei;Gurgurewicz, Joanna;Tesson, Pierre-Antoine;Mumma, Michael J.;Smith, Michael D.;Faggi, Sara;Kofman, Vincent;Knutsen, Elise W.;Daerden, Frank;Neary, Lori;Schmidt, Frédéric;Trompet, Loïc.;Erwin, Justin T.;Robert, Séverine;Thomas, Ian R.;Ristic, Bojan;Bellucci, Giancarlo;Lopez-Moreno, Jóse Juan;Patel, Manish R.;Vandaele, Ann Carine
Journal: 
Geophysical Research Letters
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
48
Pages: 
e92650
Abstract: 
Following the recent detection of HCl in the atmosphere of Mars by ExoMars/Trace Gas Orbiter, we present here the first measurement of the <SUP>37</SUP>Cl/<SUP>35</SUP>Cl isotopic ratio in the Martian atmosphere using a set of Nadir Occultation for MArs Discovery (NOMAD) observations. We determine an isotopic anomaly of −6 ± 78‰ compared to Earth standard, consistent with the −51‰-−1‰ measured on Mars' surface by Curiosity. The measured isotopic ratio is also consistent with surface measurements, and suggests that Cl reservoirs may have undergone limited processing since formation in the Solar Nebula. The examination of possible sources and sinks of HCl shows only limited pathways to short term efficient Cl fractionation and many plausible reservoirs of "light" Cl.
Database: 
ADS
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/2021GeoRL..4892650L/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
2021GeoRL..4892650L
Keywords: 
Exomars NOMAD;hydrogen chloride;isotopic ratio;Mars;planetary evolution