Laboratory experiments show that the type of iron mineral is the dominant factor controlling the chlorate/perchlorate (ClO3−/ClO4−) generation ratio on Mars over oxidation methods or atmospheric composition. Chlorate yields are found to exceed perchlorate yields by orders of magnitude in the current desiccated Martian conditions.
- Shuai-Yi Qu
- Yu-Yan Sara Zhao
- Jian-Zhong Liu