What does the surface coverage of non-magnetic hematite signify about the crustal iron inventory?
Answer
The iron has been chemically altered to its most oxidized state
The fact that the Martian surface is predominantly covered in hematite, a state that is effectively non-magnetic, provides critical insight into the history of its crustal iron. This signifies that the vast majority of exposed iron has undergone chemical alteration to reach its highest possible oxidation state. This finding is significant because if substantial deposits of magnetic materials like magnetite or metallic iron remained close to the surface, the crust would exhibit stronger magnetic signatures. The widespread lack of such signatures confirms the extensive and deep chemical alteration of the crustal iron inventory.
#Videos
New study explains why Mars is RED - YouTube
Related Questions
What chemical signature dominates the Martian surface, causing the ruddy glow?Which specific iron oxide provides the deep, characteristic red tint to Mars?What magnetic property characterizes stable, fully oxidized hematite ($ ext{Fe}_2 ext{O}_3$) on the Martian surface?What role is liquid water believed to have played during Mars's ancient epoch regarding iron oxidation?How do modern atmospheric processes continue surface rusting without significant standing liquid water?Why is atmospheric oxidation slower on Earth compared to Mars regarding surface iron exposure?Which mineral is noted spectrally as a less weathered or intermediate product compared to hematite?What does the surface coverage of non-magnetic hematite signify about the crustal iron inventory?How do Martian dust storms mechanically contribute to maintaining the oxidized state of the surface material?Which state of iron, associated with meteorites or the core, is described as being strongly ferromagnetic?What contrast exists between the Martian crustal inventory and the potential iron state in the core?