Mineral abrasion experiments at Mars relevant temperatures

The aeolian transport of sand generates fine material through abrasion. On Mars this process occurs at lower temperatures than on Earth, however, there is minimal data on the effects of temperature on aeolian abrasion rates. Here, results are reported of laboratory experiments where a suite of single-phase, Mars relevant minerals (feldspar, olivine, pyroxene, quartz and opal) were exposed to conditions simulating aeolian abrasion at temperatures common to the Martian surface (193 to 293 K). Our results suggest that mineral specific differences in solid phase parameters result in non-similar changes in abrasion rates with temperature. We propose this will ultimately exert a control on the composition and reactivity of the Martian surface. •The mechanical properties of minerals are influenced by temperature.•Abrasion rates are controlled in part by the mechanical properties of minerals.•Temperature influences abrasion rates on Mars and other cold planetary bodies.•Temperature may influence Martian surface chemistry through a control on aeolian abrasion.