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The sulfate-rich and extreme saline sediment of the ephemeral tirez lagoon: a biotope for acetoclastic sulfate-reducing bacteria and hydrogenotrophic methanogenic archaea. Int J Microbiol 2011; 2011:753758. [PMID: 21915180 PMCID: PMC3170894 DOI: 10.1155/2011/753758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our goal was to examine the composition of methanogenic archaea (MA) and sulfate-reducing (SRP) and sulfur-oxidizing (SOP) prokaryotes in the extreme athalassohaline and particularly sulfate-rich sediment of Tirez Lagoon (Spain). Thus, adenosine-5′-phosphosulfate (APS) reductase α (aprA) and methyl coenzyme M reductase α (mcrA) gene markers were amplified given that both enzymes are specific for SRP, SOP, and MA, respectively. Anaerobic populations sampled at different depths in flooded and dry seasons from the anoxic sediment were compared qualitatively via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprint analysis. Phylogenetic analyses allowed the detection of SRP belonging to Desulfobacteraceae, Desulfohalobiaceae, and Peptococcaceae in ∂-proteobacteria and Firmicutes and SOP belonging to Chromatiales/Thiotrichales clade and Ectothiorhodospiraceae in γ-proteobacteria as well as MA belonging to methylotrophic species in Methanosarcinaceae and one hydrogenotrophic species in Methanomicrobiaceae. We also estimated amino acid composition, GC content, and preferential codon usage for the AprA and McrA sequences from halophiles, nonhalophiles, and Tirez phylotypes. Even though our results cannot be currently conclusive regarding the halotolerant strategies carried out by Tirez phylotypes, we discuss the possibility of a plausible “salt-in” signal in SRP and SOP as well as of a speculative complementary haloadaptation between salt-in and salt-out strategies in MA.
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Robertson K, Bish D. Stability of phases in the Mg(ClO4)2·nH2O system and implications for perchlorate occurrences on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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53
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Tosca NJ, McLennan SM, Lamb MP, Grotzinger JP. Physicochemical properties of concentrated Martian surface waters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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54
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Wang A, Ling ZC. Ferric sulfates on Mars: A combined mission data analysis of salty soils at Gusev crater and laboratory experimental investigations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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55
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Wray JJ, Milliken RE, Dundas CM, Swayze GA, Andrews-Hanna JC, Baldridge AM, Chojnacki M, Bishop JL, Ehlmann BL, Murchie SL, Clark RN, Seelos FP, Tornabene LL, Squyres SW. Columbus crater and other possible groundwater-fed paleolakes of Terra Sirenum, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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56
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Grotzinger J, Beaty D, Dromart G, Gupta S, Harris M, Hurowitz J, Kocurek G, McLennan S, Milliken R, Ori GG, Sumner D. Mars sedimentary geology: key concepts and outstanding questions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2011; 11:77-87. [PMID: 21294660 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2010.0571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John Grotzinger
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91106, USA.
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Ribeiro J, Flores D, Ward CR, Silva LFO. Identification of nanominerals and nanoparticles in burning coal waste piles from Portugal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:6032-6041. [PMID: 20855106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A range of carbon nanoparticles, agglomerates and mineral phases have been identified in burning coal waste pile materials from the Douro Coalfield of Portugal, as a basis for identifying their potential environmental and human health impacts. The fragile nature and fine particle size of these materials required novel characterization methods, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques. The chemical composition and possible correlations with morphology of the nanominerals and associated ultra-fine particles have been evaluated in the context of human health exposure, as well as in relation to management of such components in coal-fire environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ribeiro
- Centro de Geologia, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Pandelov S, Werhahn JC, Pilles BM, Xantheas SS, Iglev H. An Empirical Correlation between the Enthalpy of Solution of Aqueous Salts and Their Ability to Form Hydrates. J Phys Chem A 2010; 114:10454-7. [DOI: 10.1021/jp106050r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Pandelov
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse, D-85748 Garching, Germany, and Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MS K1-83, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - Jasper C. Werhahn
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse, D-85748 Garching, Germany, and Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MS K1-83, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - Bert M. Pilles
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse, D-85748 Garching, Germany, and Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MS K1-83, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - Sotiris S. Xantheas
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse, D-85748 Garching, Germany, and Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MS K1-83, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - Hristo Iglev
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse, D-85748 Garching, Germany, and Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MS K1-83, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
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59
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Berry BJ, Jenkins DG, Schuerger AC. Effects of simulated Mars conditions on the survival and growth of Escherichia coli and Serratia liquefaciens. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:2377-86. [PMID: 20154104 PMCID: PMC2849189 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02147-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli and Serratia liquefaciens, two bacterial spacecraft contaminants known to replicate under low atmospheric pressures of 2.5 kPa, were tested for growth and survival under simulated Mars conditions. Environmental stresses of high salinity, low temperature, and low pressure were screened alone and in combination for effects on bacterial survival and replication, and then cells were tested in Mars analog soils under simulated Mars conditions. Survival and replication of E. coli and S. liquefaciens cells in liquid medium were evaluated for 7 days under low temperatures (5, 10, 20, or 30 degrees C) with increasing concentrations (0, 5, 10, or 20%) of three salts (MgCl(2), MgSO(4), NaCl) reported to be present on the surface of Mars. Moderate to high growth rates were observed for E. coli and S. liquefaciens at 30 or 20 degrees C and in solutions with 0 or 5% salts. In contrast, cell densities of both species generally did not increase above initial inoculum levels under the highest salt concentrations (10 and 20%) and the four temperatures tested, with the exception that moderately higher cell densities were observed for both species at 10% MgSO(4) maintained at 20 or 30 degrees C. Growth rates of E. coli and S. liquefaciens in low salt concentrations were robust under all pressures (2.5, 10, or 101.3 kPa), exhibiting a general increase of up to 2.5 orders of magnitude above the initial inoculum levels of the assays. Vegetative E. coli cells were maintained in a Mars analog soil for 7 days under simulated Mars conditions that included temperatures between 20 and -50 degrees C for a day/night diurnal period, UVC irradiation (200 to 280 nm) at 3.6 W m(-2) for daytime operations (8 h), pressures held at a constant 0.71 kPa, and a gas composition that included the top five gases found in the martian atmosphere. Cell densities of E. coli failed to increase under simulated Mars conditions, and survival was reduced 1 to 2 orders of magnitude by the interactive effects of desiccation, UV irradiation, high salinity, and low pressure (in decreasing order of importance). Results suggest that E. coli may be able to survive, but not grow, in surficial soils on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie J. Berry
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32816, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Bldg. M6-1025, Space Life Sciences Lab, Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
| | - David G. Jenkins
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32816, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Bldg. M6-1025, Space Life Sciences Lab, Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
| | - Andrew C. Schuerger
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32816, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Bldg. M6-1025, Space Life Sciences Lab, Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
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Murchie S, Roach L, Seelos F, Milliken R, Mustard J, Arvidson R, Wiseman S, Lichtenberg K, Andrews-Hanna J, Bishop J, Bibring JP, Parente M, Morris R. Evidence for the origin of layered deposits in Candor Chasma, Mars, from mineral composition and hydrologic modeling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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61
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Pandelov S, Pilles BM, Werhahn JC, Iglev H. Time-Resolved Dynamics of the OH Stretching Vibration in Aqueous NaCl Hydrate. J Phys Chem A 2009; 113:10184-8. [DOI: 10.1021/jp904558m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Pandelov
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Bert M. Pilles
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Jasper C. Werhahn
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Hristo Iglev
- Physik-Department E11, Technische Universität München, D-85748 Garching, Germany
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62
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Culka A, Jehlicka J, Nemec I. Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of boussingaultite and nickelboussingaultite. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2009; 73:420-423. [PMID: 19062333 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2008.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Revised: 09/29/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Raman and infrared spectra of two secondary sulphate minerals, boussingaultite [(NH(4))(2)Mg(SO(4))(2) x 6 H(2)O] and nickelboussingaultite [(NH(4))(2)Ni,Mg(SO(4))(2) x 6 H(2)O] have been collected. Two bands observed at 983 and 990 cm(-1) were attributed to the nu(1)(SO(4)(2-)) symmetric stretching vibration. The bands at 1133, 1096 and 1063 cm(-1) in boussingaultite spectra and bands at 1149, 1093 and 1063 cm(-1) in nickelboussingaultite spectra were attributed to the nu(3)(SO(4)(2-)) antisymmetric stretching vibration. The splitting of the nu(4)(SO(4)(2-)) bending vibration produced bands at 625 and 615 cm(-1) in the boussingaultite spectra and 652, 624 and 602 cm(-1) in the nickelboussingaultite spectra. Similarly, in the case of the nu(2)(SO(4)) bending vibration, the bands were observed at 454 cm(-1) in the boussingaultite spectra and 482, 457 and 440 cm(-1) in the nickelboussingaultite spectra. The splitting of bands is the result of lowered symmetry of sulphate ions and possibly a result of substitution of Mg ions by Ni ions in nickelboussingaultite. The bands in the NH(4)(+) bending vibration region were observed at 1705 and 1678 cm(-1) (nu(2)), 1460 and 1438 cm(-1) (nu(4)) for the mineral boussingaultite. In the high wavenumber region the bands arising from the OH (bands above 3000 cm(-1)) and the NH(4)(+) (2940, 2918 and 2845 cm(-1)) stretching vibrations were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Culka
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
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63
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Wang A, Freeman JJ, Jolliff BL. Phase transition pathways of the hydrates of magnesium sulfate in the temperature range 50°C to 5°C: Implication for sulfates on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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64
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Cultivation of anaerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria from spacecraft-associated clean rooms. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:3484-91. [PMID: 19363082 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02565-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the course of this biodiversity study, the cultivable microbial community of European spacecraft-associated clean rooms and the Herschel Space Observatory located therein were analyzed during routine assembly operations. Here, we focused on microorganisms capable of growing without oxygen. Anaerobes play a significant role in planetary protection considerations since extraterrestrial environments like Mars probably do not provide enough oxygen for fully aerobic microbial growth. A broad assortment of anaerobic media was used in our cultivation strategies, which focused on microorganisms with special metabolic skills. The majority of the isolated strains grew on anaerobic, complex, nutrient-rich media. Autotrophic microorganisms or microbes capable of fixing nitrogen were also cultivated. A broad range of facultatively anaerobic bacteria was detected during this study and also, for the first time, some strictly anaerobic bacteria (Clostridium and Propionibacterium) were isolated from spacecraft-associated clean rooms. The multiassay cultivation approach was the basis for the detection of several bacteria that had not been cultivated from these special environments before and also led to the discovery of two novel microbial species of Pseudomonas and Paenibacillus.
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65
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Roach LH, Mustard JF, Murchie SL, Bibring J, Forget F, Lewis KW, Aharonson O, Vincendon M, Bishop JL. Testing evidence of recent hydration state change in sulfates on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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66
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Identification of β-carotene in an evaporitic matrix—evaluation of Raman spectroscopic analysis for astrobiological research on Mars. Anal Bioanal Chem 2009; 393:1967-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-2677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Revised: 02/02/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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67
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Wang A, Bell JF, Li R, Johnson JR, Farrand WH, Cloutis EA, Arvidson RE, Crumpler L, Squyres SW, McLennan SM, Herkenhoff KE, Ruff SW, Knudson AT, Chen W, Greenberger R. Light-toned salty soils and coexisting Si-rich species discovered by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit in Columbia Hills. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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68
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Chojnacki M, Hynek BM. Geological context of water-altered minerals in Valles Marineris, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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69
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Frost RL, Wain DL. Near-infrared spectroscopy of natural alunites. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2008; 71:490-495. [PMID: 18280781 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2007.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Accepted: 11/08/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) has been used to analyse alunites of formula K(Al3+)6(SO4)4(OH)12. Whilst the spectra of the alunites shows a common pattern differences in the spectra are observed which enable the minerals to be distinguished. These differences are attributed to subtle variations in alunite composition. The NIR bands in the 6300-7000 cm(-1) region are attributed to the first fundamental overtone of both the infrared and Raman hydroxyl stretching vibrations. A set of bands are observed in the 4700-5500 cm(-1) region which are assigned to combination bands of the hydroxyl stretching and deformation vibrations. NIR spectroscopy has the ability to distinguish between the alunite minerals even when the formula of the minerals is closely related. The NIR spectroscopic technique has great potential as a mineral exploratory tool on planets and in particular Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray L Frost
- Inorganic Materials Research Program, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
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70
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Stivaletta N, Barbieri R. Endoliths in Terrestrial Arid Environments: Implications for Astrobiology. CELLULAR ORIGIN, LIFE IN EXTREME HABITATS AND ASTROBIOLOGY 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-8837-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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71
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Campbell JL, Gellert R, Lee M, Mallett CL, Maxwell JA, O'Meara JM. Quantitative in situ determination of hydration of bright high-sulfate Martian soils. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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72
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Chou IM, Seal RR. Magnesium and calcium sulfate stabilities and the water budget of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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73
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Jouglet D, Poulet F, Milliken RE, Mustard JF, Bibring JP, Langevin Y, Gondet B, Gomez C. Hydration state of the Martian surface as seen by Mars Express OMEGA: 1. Analysis of the 3 μ
m hydration feature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Jouglet
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Université Paris 11; Orsay France
| | - F. Poulet
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Université Paris 11; Orsay France
| | - R. E. Milliken
- Department of Geological Sciences; Brown University; Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - J. F. Mustard
- Department of Geological Sciences; Brown University; Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - J.-P. Bibring
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Université Paris 11; Orsay France
| | - Y. Langevin
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Université Paris 11; Orsay France
| | - B. Gondet
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Université Paris 11; Orsay France
| | - C. Gomez
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Université Paris 11; Orsay France
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74
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Milliken RE, Mustard JF, Poulet F, Jouglet D, Bibring JP, Gondet B, Langevin Y. Hydration state of the Martian surface as seen by Mars Express OMEGA: 2. H2O content of the surface. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph E. Milliken
- Department of Geological Sciences; Brown University; Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - John F. Mustard
- Department of Geological Sciences; Brown University; Providence Rhode Island USA
| | | | - Denis Jouglet
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Orsay Cedex France
| | | | | | - Yves Langevin
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS); Orsay Cedex France
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Hallsworth JE, Yakimov MM, Golyshin PN, Gillion JLM, D'Auria G, de Lima Alves F, La Cono V, Genovese M, McKew BA, Hayes SL, Harris G, Giuliano L, Timmis KN, McGenity TJ. Limits of life in MgCl2-containing environments: chaotropicity defines the window. Environ Microbiol 2007; 9:801-13. [PMID: 17298378 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2006.01212.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The biosphere of planet Earth is delineated by physico-chemical conditions that are too harsh for, or inconsistent with, life processes and maintenance of the structure and function of biomolecules. To define the window of life on Earth (and perhaps gain insights into the limits that life could tolerate elsewhere), and hence understand some of the most unusual biological activities that operate at such extremes, it is necessary to understand the causes and cellular basis of systems failure beyond these windows. Because water plays such a central role in biomolecules and bioprocesses, its availability, properties and behaviour are among the key life-limiting parameters. Saline waters dominate the Earth, with the oceans holding 96.5% of the planet's water. Saline groundwater, inland seas or saltwater lakes hold another 1%, a quantity that exceeds the world's available freshwater. About one quarter of Earth's land mass is underlain by salt, often more than 100 m thick. Evaporite deposits contain hypersaline waters within and between their salt crystals, and even contain large subterranean salt lakes, and therefore represent significant microbial habitats. Salts have a major impact on the nature and extent of the biosphere, because solutes radically influence water's availability (water activity) and exert other activities that also affect biological systems (e.g. ionic, kosmotropic, chaotropic and those that affect cell turgor), and as a consequence can be major stressors of cellular systems. Despite the stressor effects of salts, hypersaline environments can be heavily populated with salt-tolerant or -dependent microbes, the halophiles. The most common salt in hypersaline environments is NaCl, but many evaporite deposits and brines are also rich in other salts, including MgCl(2) (several hundred million tonnes of bischofite, MgCl(2).6H(2)O, occur in one formation alone). Magnesium (Mg) is the third most abundant element dissolved in seawater and is ubiquitous in the Earth's crust, and throughout the Solar System, where it exists in association with a variety of anions. Magnesium chloride is exceptionally soluble in water, so can achieve high concentrations (> 5 M) in brines. However, while NaCl-dominated hypersaline environments are habitats for a rich variety of salt-adapted microbes, there are contradictory indications of life in MgCl(2)-rich environments. In this work, we have sought to obtain new insights into how MgCl(2) affects cellular systems, to assess whether MgCl(2) can determine the window of life, and, if so, to derive a value for this window. We have dissected two relevant cellular stress-related activities of MgCl(2) solutions, namely water activity reduction and chaotropicity, and analysed signatures of life at different concentrations of MgCl(2) in a natural environment, namely the 0.05-5.05 M MgCl(2) gradient of the seawater : hypersaline brine interface of Discovery Basin - a large, stable brine lake almost saturated with MgCl(2), located on the Mediterranean Sea floor. We document here the exceptional chaotropicity of MgCl(2), and show that this property, rather than water activity reduction, inhibits life by denaturing biological macromolecules. In vitro, a test enzyme was totally inhibited by MgCl(2) at concentrations below 1 M; and culture medium with MgCl(2) concentrations above 1.26 M inhibited the growth of microbes in samples taken from all parts of the Discovery interface. Although DNA and rRNA from key microbial groups (sulfate reducers and methanogens) were detected along the entire MgCl(2) gradient of the seawater : Discovery brine interface, mRNA, a highly labile indicator of active microbes, was recovered only from the upper part of the chemocline at MgCl(2) concentrations of less than 2.3 M. We also show that the extreme chaotropicity of MgCl(2) at high concentrations not only denatures macromolecules, but also preserves the more stable ones: such indicator molecules, hitherto regarded as evidence of life, may thus be misleading signatures in chaotropic environments. Thus, the chaotropicity of MgCl(2) would appear to be a window-of-life-determining parameter, and the results obtained here suggest that the upper MgCl(2) concentration for life, in the absence of compensating (e.g. kosmotropic) solutes, is about 2.3 M.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Hallsworth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
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Ruiz-Agudo E, Martín-Ramos JD, Rodriguez-Navarro C. Mechanism and Kinetics of Dehydration of Epsomite Crystals Formed in the Presence of Organic Additives. J Phys Chem B 2006; 111:41-52. [PMID: 17201427 DOI: 10.1021/jp064460b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The thermal dehydration of epsomite (MgSO4*7H2O) crystals grown in the presence and absence of organic additives (phosphonates, carboxylic acids, and polyacrylic acid derivatives) was studied by means of thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray thermodiffraction (XRTD), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). In situ XRTD analyses (in air, 30% relative humidity) show an -->epsomite hexahydrite (MgSO4*6H2O) transition at 25-38 degrees C, followed by formation of amorphous phase(s) at T > 43-48 degrees C, and MgSO4 crystallization at approximately 300 degrees C. Kinetic parameters (E(alpha) and A) were determined for the main dehydration step (25-160 degrees C), which corresponds to a MgSO4*7H2O-->MgSO4*H2O transition, by applying two isoconversional methods to nonisothermal TG data obtained at different heating rates (beta= 1, 3, and 5 K*min-1). In situ, hot-stage ESEM observations of the thermal dehydration of epsomite crystals are consistent with the nonisothermal kinetic study and, along with XRTD results, allow us to propose a dehydration mechanism which includes an early nucleation and growth event, followed by the advancement of the reaction interface (3D phase boundary reaction). Both E(alpha) and A values increase in the presence of the most effective crystallization inhibitors tested. H-bonding between additives and epsomite crystal surfaces is consistent with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and may account for this effect. The increase of E(alpha) values can be related to the excess energy required to break additive-water bonds in the reactant. These results are likely to further our understanding of the interaction mechanisms between salt hydrates and organic additives which act as growth inhibitors/modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Encarnación Ruiz-Agudo
- Departamento de Mineralogía y Petrología, Universidad de Granada, Fuentenueva s/n, 18002 Granada, Spain.
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77
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Ruiz-Agudo E, Mees F, Jacobs P, Rodriguez-Navarro C. The role of saline solution properties on porous limestone salt weathering by magnesium and sodium sulfates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00254-006-0476-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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78
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Linnow K, Zeunert A, Steiger M. Investigation of Sodium Sulfate Phase Transitions in a Porous Material Using Humidity- and Temperature-Controlled X-ray Diffraction. Anal Chem 2006; 78:4683-9. [PMID: 16808482 DOI: 10.1021/ac0603936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Crystals growing in confined spaces can generate stress and are a major cause of damage in porous materials. To investigate such deleterious processes, appropriate in situ techniques are required. This paper describes the use of X-ray diffractometry under controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity (RH-XRD) for the direct observation of phase transition reactions in a porous substrate. An improved environmental chamber without temperature gradients is presented and applied to the investigation of phase transformations in the system Na2SO4 + H2O. This salt is generally considered as particularly damaging and frequently used in accelerated weathering tests. It is demonstrated that RH-XRD can be successfully applied for the direct observation of several relevant phase transitions in glass frits used as porous substrates. The conversion of Na2SO4(III) to Na2SO4(V) and the hydration of Na2SO4(V) both proceed fairly rapidly as true solid-state reactions without deliquescence of the educt phases. In contrast, crystallization from solution is kinetically hindered as there is a strong tendency of aqueous Na2SO4 to form supersaturated solutions also in narrow pores. The important implications of this behavior of the salt are also briefly discussed in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Linnow
- Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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79
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Frost RL, Wills RA, Weier ML, Martens W, Theo Kloprogge J. A Raman spectroscopic study of alunites. J Mol Struct 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2005.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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80
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Wang A, Haskin LA, Squyres SW, Jolliff BL, Crumpler L, Gellert R, Schröder C, Herkenhoff K, Hurowitz J, Tosca NJ, Farrand WH, Anderson R, Knudson AT. Sulfate deposition in subsurface regolith in Gusev crater, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alian Wang
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences; Washington University; St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - L. A. Haskin
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences; Washington University; St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - S. W. Squyres
- Department of Astronomy; Cornell University; Ithaca New York USA
| | - B. L. Jolliff
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences; Washington University; St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - L. Crumpler
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science; Albuquerque New Mexico USA
| | - R. Gellert
- Abteilung Kosmochemie; Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie; Mainz Germany
| | - C. Schröder
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie; Johannes Gutenberg-Universität; Mainz Germany
| | | | - J. Hurowitz
- Department of Geosciences; State University of New York; Stony Brook New York USA
| | - N. J. Tosca
- Department of Geosciences; State University of New York; Stony Brook New York USA
| | | | - Robert Anderson
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California Institute of Technology; Pasadena California USA
| | - A. T. Knudson
- Department of Geological Sciences; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona USA
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81
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Frost RL, Wills RA, Martens W, Weier M. NIR spectroscopy of jarosites. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2005; 62:869-74. [PMID: 16303633 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2005.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2005] [Accepted: 03/16/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used to analyse a suite of synthesised jarosites of formula Mn(Fe3+)6(SO4)4(OH)12 where M is K, Na, Ag, Pb, NH4+ and H3O+. Whilst the spectra of the jarosites show a common pattern, differences in the spectra are observed which enable the minerals to be distinguished. The NIR bands in the 6300-7000 cm-1 region are attributed to the first fundamental overtone of the infrared and Raman hydroxyl stretching vibrations. The NIR spectrum of the ammonium-jarosite shows additional bands at 6460 and 6143 cm-1, attributed to the first fundamental overtones of NH stretching vibrations. A set of bands are observed in the 4700-5500 cm-1 region which are assigned to combination bands of the hydroxyl stretching and deformation vibrations. The ammonium-jarosite shows additional bands at 4730 and 4621 cm-1, attributed to the combination of NH stretching and bending vibrations. NIR spectroscopy has the ability to distinguish between the jarosite minerals even when the formula of the minerals is closely related. The NIR spectroscopic technique has great potential as a mineral exploratory tool on planets and in particular Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray L Frost
- Inorganic Materials Research Program, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, G.P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld. 4001, Australia.
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82
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Frost RL, Wills RA, Martens W, Weier M, Reddy BJ. NIR spectroscopy of selected iron(II) and iron(III) sulphates. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2005; 62:42-50. [PMID: 16257691 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2004.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2004] [Revised: 11/30/2004] [Accepted: 12/01/2004] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A problem exists when closely related minerals are found in paragenetic relationships. The identification of such minerals cannot be undertaken by normal techniques such as X-ray diffraction. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques may be applicable especially when microtechniques or fibre-optic techniques are used. NIR spectroscopy is one technique, which can be used for the identification of these paragenetically related minerals and has been applied to the study of selected iron(II) and iron(III) sulphates. The near-IR spectral regions may be conveniently divided into four regions: (a) the high wavenumber region>7500 cm(-1), (b) the high wavenumber region between 6400 and 7400 cm(-1) attributed to the first overtone of the fundamental hydroxyl stretching mode, (c) the 5500-6300 cm(-1) region attributed to water combination modes of the hydroxyl fundamentals of water, and (d) the 4000-5500 cm(-1) region attributed to the combination of the stretching and deformation modes of the iron(II) and iron(III) sulphates. The minerals containing iron(II) show a strong, broad band with splitting, around 11,000-8000 cm(-1) attributed to (5)T(2g)-->(5)E(g) transition. This shows the ferrous ion has distorted octahedral coordination in some of these sulphate minerals. For each of these regions, the minerals show distinctive spectra, which enable their identification and characterisation. NIR spectroscopy is a less used technique, which has great application for the study of minerals, particularly minerals that have hydrogen in the structure either as hydroxyl units or as water bonded to the cation as is the case for iron(II) and iron(III) sulphates. The study of minerals on planets is topical and NIR spectroscopy provides a rapid technique for the distinction and identification of iron(II) and iron(III) sulphates minerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray L Frost
- Inorganic Materials Research Program, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld. 4001, Australia.
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83
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Abstract
Raman spectroscopy is proposed as a valuable analytical technique for planetary exploration because it is sensitive to organic and inorganic compounds and able to unambiguously identify key spectral markers in a mixture of biological and geological components; furthermore, sample manipulation is not required and any size of sample can be studied without chemical or mechanical pretreatment. NASA and ESA are considering the adoption of miniaturised Raman spectrometers for inclusion in suites of analytical instrumentation to be placed on robotic landers on Mars in the near future to search for extinct or extant life signals. In this paper we review the advantages and limitations of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of complex specimens with relevance to the detection of bio- and geomarkers in extremophilic organisms which are considered to be terrestrial analogues of possible extraterrestial life that could have developed on planetary surfaces.
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84
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Gendrin A, Mangold N, Bibring JP, Langevin Y, Gondet B, Poulet F, Bonello G, Quantin C, Mustard J, Arvidson R, LeMouélic S. Sulfates in Martian Layered Terrains: The OMEGA/Mars Express View. Science 2005; 307:1587-91. [PMID: 15718429 DOI: 10.1126/science.1109087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The OMEGA/Mars Express hyperspectral imager identified hydrated sulfates on light-toned layered terrains on Mars. Outcrops in Valles Marineris, Margaritifer Sinus, and Terra Meridiani show evidence for kieserite, gypsum, and polyhydrated sulfates. This identification has its basis in vibrational absorptions between 1.3 and 2.5 micrometers. These minerals constitute direct records of the past aqueous activity on Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Gendrin
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), Bâtiment 121, 91405 Orsay Campus, France.
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85
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Bibring JP, Langevin Y, Gendrin A, Gondet B, Poulet F, Berthé M, Soufflot A, Arvidson R, Mangold N, Mustard J, Drossart P. Mars Surface Diversity as Revealed by the OMEGA/Mars Express Observations. Science 2005; 307:1576-81. [PMID: 15718430 DOI: 10.1126/science.1108806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA) investigation, on board the European Space Agency Mars Express mission, is mapping the surface composition of Mars at a 0.3- to 5-kilometer resolution by means of visible-near-infrared hyperspectral reflectance imagery. The data acquired during the first 9 months of the mission already reveal a diverse and complex surface mineralogy, offering key insights into the evolution of Mars. OMEGA has identified and mapped mafic iron-bearing silicates of both the northern and southern crust, localized concentrations of hydrated phyllosilicates and sulfates but no carbonates, and ices and frosts with a water-ice composition of the north polar perennial cap, as for the south cap, covered by a thin carbon dioxide-ice veneer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Bibring
- Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), Bâtiment 121, 91405 Orsay Campus, France.
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86
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Tokano T. Hydration state and abundance of zeolites on Mars and the water cycle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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87
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Milliken RE, Mustard JF. Quantifying absolute water content of minerals using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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88
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Feldman WC, Prettyman TH, Maurice S, Nelli S, Elphic R, Funsten HO, Gasnault O, Lawrence DJ, Murphy JR, Tokar RL, Vaniman DT. Topographic control of hydrogen deposits at low latitudes to midlatitudes of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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