How does the composition of terrestrial dust generally contrast with Martian dust?

Answer

Terrestrial dust often incorporates more biological material, volcanic ash, or pollution byproducts

A key difference between Martian dust and dust found on Earth lies in their chemical and biological content. Martian dust is described as ancient, sterile mineral grit composed primarily of oxidized silicates. In contrast, terrestrial dust, even when originating from desert environments, frequently contains contaminants or components derived from active planetary processes. These commonly include biological material essential to Earth's ecosystem, remnants of volcanic activity, or particulate matter resulting from human-generated pollution, making Earth's dust compositionally far more heterogeneous than the ancient mineral dust of Mars.

How does the composition of terrestrial dust generally contrast with Martian dust?

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