Solid Planet-Atmosphere Interactions

Even without an abundant aqueous phase, planetary surfaces are coupled with planetary atmospheres through complex physical and chemical processes. On Mars and Venus, dissociation of H₂O and hydrogen escape from early atmospheres have caused partial oxidation of crustal materials. Although early atmospheric conditions could have favored the formation of carbonates and hydrated minerals, current environments may not be suitable for carbonate formation. Throughout history, volcanic/impact degassing was followed by consumption of sulfur and halogens into surface materials through weathering reactions. Atmosphere-surface interactions could have been affected by changing solar luminosity, orbital parameters, the greenhouse heating, internal processes, and impact cratering.