Stability of Carbon Dioxide in the Martian Atmosphere

Abstract

Venus and Mars seem to have nearly hundred per cent CO₂ atmosphere as shown by spectroscopic measurements. Although CO dissociates to yield CO and 0 by sunlight below 2275 Å which reaches the surface of the planet, yet the stability of CO is striking. The case of the Martian atmosphere only has been discussed. The reaction kinematics are studied for the rate of dissociation of CO by UV below 2275 Å. Photochemistry of pure CO₂ is discussed taking some probable reactions in the atmosphere of Mars. The rate constants have been taken from standard literature and the equations have been solved assuming certain simplifications. It is shown that the concentrations of CO could remain constant almost over a small range under some restrictive assumptions. Some catalytic reactions have also been discussed for better results.