"Red Planet" Abundant with Green Minerals
KEY QUOTES:
"The large expanses of olivine, about one-million square miles, means chemical weathering on Mars was very low and has been low for most of its geologic history. This information contradicts a popular view of a past warm, wet period in Mars' geologic history."
"Not seeing minerals that indicate chemical weathering is also consistent with the abundant olivine and that implies the chemical weathering is very low. Thus, a consistent picture is forming that says Mars' surface has remained cold and dry for a long time."
In otherwords, the amount and extensive distribution of olivine at the surface of Mars, combined with the lack of minerals associated with chemical weathering tells a story of "cold and dry," not "warm and wet."
Space/Science » in reply to re: Good point... but...Don't ignore the key points.
Wrong