Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Geological evidence and paleoclimate models suggest that freeze‐thaw (FT) cycling has played a pivotal role in shaping the Martian surface composition throughout geological time. Here we show the experimental investigation of the sulfuric acid weathering of olivine under simulated FT conditions (193–293 K). Our results reveal that FT cycling enhances both mechanical and chemical weathering processes, with the lifetime of olivine decreasing 23 times compared to those under continuous freezing conditions. Cryogenic weathering promotes olivine hydroxylation and generates secondary phases (e.g., hydrated sulfates and amorphous silica) that collectively retain substantial water in the solid phase. Quantitative comparisons show these cryogenic weathering products retain approximately sevenfold higher water content per unit ion release compared to equivalent materials formed at ambient temperatures. These findings highlight FT cycling as an efficient geological mechanism for simultaneous mineral alteration and water sequestration, advancing mechanistic understanding of Martian hydrological evolution and habitability potential.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2025gl118467
Institutions: Macau University of Science and Technology, China National Space Administration, State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Shandong University, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Funders: Shandong University, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Ciências e da Tecnologia, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
OpenAlex ID: W7130830718