30
Mars and the Pattern of Geologic Activity
and Atmospheric Loss
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•Expect intermediate geologic activity based on size
–RMars = 0.53 REarth         RMoon = 0.27 REarth
–Earth still active but lunar mare volcanism ended ~3 billion years ago
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•Expect intermediate atmospheric loss
–Smaller size will make atmospheric escape easier
–Cooler temperature (farther from sun) will make astmospheric escape harder
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•In some ways Mars is most “Earth-like” planet
–Has polar caps
–Has weather patterns
–Had (in past) running water
•May have had conditions necessary for development of life