SREL Reprint #2313

Bulk and stable isotopic compositions of carbonate minerals in Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001: No proof of high formation temperature

Allan H. Treiman1 and Christopher S. Romanek2

1Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77058 USA
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802 USA

Abstract: Understanding the origin of carbonate minerals in the Martian meteorite Allan Hills (ALH) 84001 is crucial to evaluating the hypothesis that they contain traces of ancient Martian life. Using arguments based on chemical equilibria among carbonates and fluids, an origin at >650ºC (inimical to life) has been proposed. However, the bulk and stable isotopic compositions of the carbonate minerals are open to multiple interpretations and so lend no particular support to a high-temperature origin. Other methods (possibly less direct) will have to be used to determine the formation temperature of the carbonates in ALH 84001.

SREL Reprint #2313

Treiman, A.H. and C.S. Romanek. 1998. Bulk and stable isotopic compositions of carbonate minerals in Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001: No proof of high formation temperature. Meteoritics & Planetary Science 33:737-742.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).