Isotopes of nitrogen on Mars: Atmospheric measurements by Curiosity's mass spectrometer. Issue 23 (9th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wong, Michael H.; Atreya, Sushil K.; Mahaffy, Paul N.; Franz, Heather B.; Malespin, Charles; Trainer, Melissa G.; Stern, Jennifer C.; Conrad, Pamela G.; Manning, Heidi L. K.; Pepin, Robert O.; Becker, Richard H.; McKay, Christopher P.; Owen, Tobias C.; Navarro‐González, Rafael; Jones, John H.; Jakosky, Bruce M.; Steele, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 40:Issue 23(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 6033
• Page End: 6037
• Publication Date: 2013-12-09
• Subjects: Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2013GL057840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="grl51166-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p id="grl51166-para-0001">[1] The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) measured a Mars atmospheric¹⁴N/¹⁵N ratio of 173 ± 11 on sol 341 of the mission, agreeing with Viking's measurement of 168 ± 17. The MSL/SAM value was based on Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer measurements of an enriched atmospheric sample, with CO₂ and H₂O removed. Doubly ionized nitrogen data at m/z 14 and 14.5 had the highest signal/background ratio, with results confirmed by m/z 28 and 29 data. Gases in SNC meteorite glasses have been interpreted as mixtures containing a Martian atmospheric component, based partly on distinctive¹⁴N/¹⁵N and⁴⁰Ar/¹⁴N ratios. Recent MSL/SAM measurements of the⁴⁰Ar/¹⁴N ratio (0.51 ± 0.01) are incompatible with the Viking ratio (0.35 ± 0.08). The meteorite mixing line is more consistent with the atmospheric composition measured by Viking than by MSL.</p> </abstract>