Understanding
The
Evolution
Of
Atmosphere Through Nitrogen Isotopes

The

Martian

H. Pieris, B. M. Jakosky, Lasp, University Of Colorado, Boulder, Co, Usa (Heshani.Pieris@Colorado.Edu)

Introduction:
The 14n/15n Ratio Of The Mars Atmosphere Was
First Measured By Viking And Then Later By The Mars
Science Laboratory (Msl). Msl Measured A 14n/15n
Ratio Of 173±11 Which Corresponds To An Enrichment
Of 1.57 Times The Terrestrial Value Of The 15n Isotope.
This Type Of Enrichment Can Only Be Explained By A
Significant Loss Of N To Space, With The Lighter Isotope