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Mars has a variety of minerals in the topsoil called regolith; iron-rich smectite clays, magnesium sulfate, iron oxides, and reactive oxidizing agents of unknown chemistry. They detected no organic compounds. Spectral analysis of the dust storms identified the smectite clay as montmorillonite. Smectites have the property of expanding when they contact water, and contracting when they dry. Silicate minerals, oxides (mostly iron), and some calcium carbonate were also found.
Mars soil composition has 5-14 % iron oxide. It is rich in iron, covered with rust thus making it red. The most prevalent elements in the soil patch were silicon and iron. It also found significant levels of chlorine and sulfur.Mineral called olivine was also found.
Source(s):http://www.jpl.NASA.gov/releases/2004/25…
http://www.anu.edu.au/Physics/nineplanet…
However, where terrestrial soild contains a lot of carbon compounds, these are almost unknown on Mars. And Mars' red color comes from a compound unknown on Earth--Fe2O7--now called a super oxide of iron. It is unstable in earthly conditions and can't exist here. Other than that, Mars has silicates of various sorts, and soil clearly derived from grinding down of basalt and other lavas.
What else can I help you with?
Why isn't there soil on Mars?
Mars doesn't have much soil because its thin atmosphere and lack of protective magnetic field allow solar winds to strip away the surface materials over time. The soil that does exist on Mars is regolith, a layer of loose material that is rocky and not as nutrient-rich as Earth's soil.
Does Mars have soil on it?
Yes, Mars has soil on its surface, known as regolith. This soil is made up of crushed rock, dust, and minerals. The soil on Mars is reddish in color due to the presence of iron oxide, which gives the planet its distinctive hue.
Why is the soil on Mars rust-colored?
Mars' soil is red because it is very rich in iron oxide.
Why is Mars soil red?
Mars soil is red due to the presence of iron oxide, or rust, which gives the soil its characteristic color. The iron in the soil has been oxidized over time, reacting with the planet's atmosphere to create the reddish hue.
What planet soil is Rich in iron oxide?
mars because mars is red
Does Mars have lava in its soil?
no no lava on mars
Is the soil on mars fertile enough to plant earth plants on it or what would you need to do so?
the soil on mars is infertile
Is Mars the only planet with soil?
No, the other terrestrial planets have soil, Earth, Mercury and Venus. Earths soil is different in that it contains organic matter.
Could the soil on mars actually grow crops?
No. The soil on Mars lacks the organic nutrients necessary to grow plants.
What is the colour of soil on mars?
the soil is orangey-red some soil is dark red or black
Does mars have twin towers or just plain old soil and rocks?
dude, mars is a different planet, with no life on it, it is old soil and rocks.
Why isn't there soil on Mars?
Mars doesn't have much soil because its thin atmosphere and lack of protective magnetic field allow solar winds to strip away the surface materials over time. The soil that does exist on Mars is regolith, a layer of loose material that is rocky and not as nutrient-rich as Earth's soil.
Does Mars have soil on it?
Yes, Mars has soil on its surface, known as regolith. This soil is made up of crushed rock, dust, and minerals. The soil on Mars is reddish in color due to the presence of iron oxide, which gives the planet its distinctive hue.
What planet is this the soil of this planet it is rich in iron oxide which gives the planet a characteristic color?
Mars. The high iron oxide content in the soil gives Mars its reddish color.
What planet has water found in the soil?
Mars
Why is the soil on Mars rust-colored?
Mars' soil is red because it is very rich in iron oxide.
Why would you not find soils on mars and venus?
Soil forms largely as a result of biological processes. There is no life on Venus or Mars, so soil cannot form.
