Manganese oxides are thought to be a signature of atmospheric oxygen. But on the Red Planet, recent results suggest they might be more of a red herring.
manganese
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Diurnal Oxidation for Manganese Minerals in the Arctic Ocean
The relative abundance of different oxidation states for this important micronutrient varies on the basis of how much available sunlight there is.
Posted inNews
Freshwater Mussel Shells May Retain Record of Alpine Snowpack
A new study explores a possible proxy for seasonal freshwater input that could elucidate changes in alpine snowpack as the planet warms.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Microbial Mechanisms Change with the Seasons
Microbes living in the sand on a barrier island alter the way they break down organic matter as their environment changes throughout the year, which has implications for the surrounding water column.
Posted inNews
Road Dust: A Health Hazard Hidden in Plain Sight
Legacy heavy metals from past industrial activity combine with traffic paint; asphalt; and bits of tires, brakes, and car parts to create toxic dust on our roadways.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Minerals Hint at Liquid Groundwater, More Oxygen in Mars's Past
Manganese deposits in Gale Crater fractures are similar to Earth features that usually require flowing water and highly oxidizing conditions.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Manganese Deposits on Mars Suggest a Highly Oxidized Past
Data from the Curiosity rover suggest that the surface of Mars has experienced more strongly oxidizing conditions than previously thought.