Martian Sinkholes: Implications for Large Scale Evaporite

Introduction. The current hypothesis is that Martian sinkholes do not exist. It is proposed that the low pH environment resulting from the high CO2 content of the atmosphere will cause calcium carbonate to be deposited as calcite cemented sandstone rather than limestone [5]. Calcite, as well as gypsum, halite, smectite and illite, has been detected in Martian meteorites providing proof of the presence of at least some evaporites on the Martian surface. The past presence of oceans and outflow channels provided an environment favorable to evaporite deposition. We believe that sinkholes do exist in certain areas and can be used as indicators for the presence of regional limestone deposition.