The detection of carbonate in the martian soil at the Phoenix Landing site: A laboratory investigation and comparison with the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) data

► Phoenix-TEGA data consistent with carbonate detection in Mars soil. ► 3-6 wt.% carbonate as calcite, dolomite, and/or ankerite. ► Magnesite and/or siderite occur at no more than ∼1 wt.%. ► Carbonate indicate Mars soil pH is favorable for microbiology.