Mars' Missing Atmosphere May Be Locked in Planet's Clay, Scientists Find

Researchers propose that ancient Martian atmosphere was absorbed by the planet’s iron-rich clay, potentially offering future fuel sources.

A study by MIT researchers suggests that Mars' early atmosphere, rich in carbon dioxide, may be sequestered in the planet’s clay-rich crust.
The process involves water percolating through olivine, a mineral abundant on Mars, transforming it into smectite clay that traps methane.
This reaction could explain the rapid thinning of Mars' atmosphere about 3.5 billion years ago, leaving the thin atmosphere observed today.
The researchers estimate that up to 80% of Mars' initial atmosphere could be stored in the clay, equivalent to around 1.7 bar of carbon dioxide.
The findings raise the possibility that this trapped methane could be harnessed as a resource for future Mars missions, providing both water and fuel.