EPSC Abstracts Vol. 7 EPSC2012-643 2012 European Planetary Science Congress 2012 EEuropeaPn PlanetarSy Science CCongress c Author(s) 2012 The Importance of Detecting Lithium on the Surface of Mars A. Heredia (1,2), M. Colín-García (1), J. Valdivia Silva (3), H. Beraldi (1), A. Negrón-Mendoza (1), H. Durand-Manterola (1) J.L. García-Martínez (1), S. Ramos and F. Ortega (1) . (1) SIOV, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-04510 México DF, (2) Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, TEMA, University of Aveiro, Portugal, (3) NASA, USA. (
[email protected]/ Fax: (52) +55-56-16-22-33) ppm in the surface of Mars, would imply the action Abstract of sub-aqueous and sub-aerial hydrothermal systems, and hence past lakes or oceans in considerable Lithium (Li) is the third element of the periodic table volumes and duration, increasing the possibilities for and was created in the Big Bang together with the origination of autochthonous life in that planet. hydrogen and helium. In water solution it exhibits low vapor pressure and freezing point, and other colligative properties enhancing the range of liquid 2. Li general properties water availability. With organic compounds, it forms organo-lithium reagents with direct covalent bond Among solids, lithium has the highest specific heat allowing for organic complexity. Lithium accreted and therefore has a high heat transfer capacity. As with the Sun and planets in minor amounts and later ion, it has a coordination number of 4 to 8 with high it originated by nuclear fission processes due to high- charge to size ratio making it a small highly charged energy cosmic rays.