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Li C, Zheng Y, Wang X, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen L, Zhang L, Zhao P, Liu Y, Lv W, Liu Y, Zhao X, Hao J, Sun W, Liu X, Jia B, Li J, Lan H, Fa W, Pan Y, Wu F. Layered subsurface in Utopia Basin of Mars revealed by Zhurong rover radar. Nature 2022; 610:308-312. [PMID: 36163288 PMCID: PMC9556330 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05147-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the subsurface structure and stratification of Mars advances our understanding of Martian geology, hydrological evolution and palaeoclimatic changes, and has been a main task for past and continuing Mars exploration missions1-10. Utopia Planitia, the smooth plains of volcanic and sedimentary strata that infilled the Utopia impact crater, has been a prime target for such exploration as it is inferred to have hosted an ancient ocean on Mars11-13. However, 45 years have passed since Viking-2 provided ground-based detection results. Here we report an in situ ground-penetrating radar survey of Martian subsurface structure in a southern marginal area of Utopia Planitia conducted by the Zhurong rover of the Tianwen-1 mission. A detailed subsurface image profile is constructed along the roughly 1,171 m traverse of the rover, showing an approximately 70-m-thick, multi-layered structure below a less than 10-m-thick regolith. Although alternative models deserve further scrutiny, the new radar image suggests the occurrence of episodic hydraulic flooding sedimentation that is interpreted to represent the basin infilling of Utopia Planitia during the Late Hesperian to Amazonian. While no direct evidence for the existence of liquid water was found within the radar detection depth range, we cannot rule out the presence of saline ice in the subsurface of the landing area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yikang Zheng
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resource Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhai Zhang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resource Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Chen
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.458476.c0000 0004 0605 1722State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Zhao
- grid.458476.c0000 0004 0605 1722State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yike Liu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resource Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenmin Lv
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Space Weather, National Space Science Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Center for Excellence in Comparative Planetology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlai Hao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Sun
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bojun Jia
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqiang Lan
- grid.458476.c0000 0004 0605 1722State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhe Fa
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxin Pan
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fuyuan Wu
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.458476.c0000 0004 0605 1722State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Antarctica as a reservoir of planetary analogue environments. Extremophiles 2021; 25:437-458. [PMID: 34586500 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-021-01245-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the main objectives of astrobiological research is the investigation of the habitability of other planetary bodies. Since space exploration missions are expensive and require long-term organization, the preliminary study of terrestrial environments is an essential step to prepare and support exploration missions. The Earth hosts a multitude of extreme environments whose characteristics resemble celestial bodies in our Solar System. In these environments, the physico-chemical properties partly match extraterrestrial environments and could clarify limits and adaptation mechanisms of life, the mineralogical or geochemical context, and support and interpret data sent back from planetary bodies. One of the best terrestrial analogues is Antarctica, whose conditions lie on the edge of habitability. It is characterized by a cold and dry climate (Onofri et al., Nova Hedwigia 68:175-182, 1999), low water availability, strong katabatic winds, salt concentration, desiccation, and high radiation. Thanks to the harsh conditions like those in other celestial bodies, Antarctica offers good terrestrial analogues for celestial body (Mars or icy moons; Léveillé, CR Palevol 8:637-648, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpv.2009.03.005 , 2009). The continent could be distinguished into several habitats, each with characteristics similar to those existing on other bodies. Here, we reported a description of each simulated parameter within the habitats, in relation to each of the simulated extraterrestrial environments.
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Riccobono D, Genta G, Moreland S, Backes P. A multidisciplinary design tool for robotic systems involved in sampling operations on planetary bodies. CEAS SPACE JOURNAL 2020; 13:155-174. [PMID: 34804247 PMCID: PMC8591676 DOI: 10.1007/s12567-020-00330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of robotic systems (e.g. landers and rovers) involved in sampling operations on planetary bodies is crucial to ensure mission success, since those operations generate forces that could affect the stability of the robotic system. This paper presents MISTRAL (MultIdisciplinary deSign Tool for Robotic sAmpLing), a novel tool conceived for trade space exploration during early conceptual and preliminary design phases, where a rapid and broad evaluation is required for a very high number of configurations and boundary conditions. The tool rapidly determines the preliminary design envelope of a sampling apparatus to guarantee the stability condition of the whole robotic system. The tool implements a three-dimensional analytical model capable to reproduce several scenarios, being able to accept various input parameters, including the physical and geometrical characteristics of the robotic system, the properties related to the environment and the characteristics related to the sampling system. This feature can be exploited to infer multidisciplinary high-level requirements concerning several other elements of the investigated system, such as robotic arms and footpads. The presented research focuses on the application of MISTRAL to landers. The structure of the tool and the analysis model are presented. Results from the application of the tool to real mission data from NASA's Phoenix Mars lander are included. Moreover, the tool was adopted for the definition of the high-level requirements of the lander for a potential future mission to the surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus, currently under investigation at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This case study was included to demonstrate the tool's capabilities. MISTRAL represents a comprehensive, versatile, and powerful tool providing guidelines for cognizant decisions in the early and most crucial stages of the design of robotic systems involved in sampling operations on planetary bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Riccobono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico Di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
| | - Giancarlo Genta
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico Di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Scott Moreland
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
| | - Paul Backes
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
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Carrier B, Beaty D, Meyer M, Blank J, Chou L, DasSarma S, Des Marais D, Eigenbrode J, Grefenstette N, Lanza N, Schuerger A, Schwendner P, Smith H, Stoker C, Tarnas J, Webster K, Bakermans C, Baxter B, Bell M, Benner S, Bolivar Torres H, Boston P, Bruner R, Clark B, DasSarma P, Engelhart A, Gallegos Z, Garvin Z, Gasda P, Green J, Harris R, Hoffman M, Kieft T, Koeppel A, Lee P, Li X, Lynch K, Mackelprang R, Mahaffy P, Matthies L, Nellessen M, Newsom H, Northup D, O'Connor B, Perl S, Quinn R, Rowe L, Sauterey B, Schneegurt M, Schulze-Makuch D, Scuderi L, Spilde M, Stamenković V, Torres Celis J, Viola D, Wade B, Walker C, Wiens R, Williams A, Williams J, Xu J. Mars Extant Life: What's Next? Conference Report. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:785-814. [PMID: 32466662 PMCID: PMC7307687 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
On November 5-8, 2019, the "Mars Extant Life: What's Next?" conference was convened in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The conference gathered a community of actively publishing experts in disciplines related to habitability and astrobiology. Primary conclusions are as follows: A significant subset of conference attendees concluded that there is a realistic possibility that Mars hosts indigenous microbial life. A powerful theme that permeated the conference is that the key to the search for martian extant life lies in identifying and exploring refugia ("oases"), where conditions are either permanently or episodically significantly more hospitable than average. Based on our existing knowledge of Mars, conference participants highlighted four potential martian refugium (not listed in priority order): Caves, Deep Subsurface, Ices, and Salts. The conference group did not attempt to reach a consensus prioritization of these candidate environments, but instead felt that a defensible prioritization would require a future competitive process. Within the context of these candidate environments, we identified a variety of geological search strategies that could narrow the search space. Additionally, we summarized a number of measurement techniques that could be used to detect evidence of extant life (if present). Again, it was not within the scope of the conference to prioritize these measurement techniques-that is best left for the competitive process. We specifically note that the number and sensitivity of detection methods that could be implemented if samples were returned to Earth greatly exceed the methodologies that could be used at Mars. Finally, important lessons to guide extant life search processes can be derived both from experiments carried out in terrestrial laboratories and analog field sites and from theoretical modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- B.L. Carrier
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - D.W. Beaty
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | - J.G. Blank
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - L. Chou
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - S. DasSarma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - N.L. Lanza
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - A.C. Schuerger
- University of Florida/Space Life Sciences Laboratory, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
| | - P. Schwendner
- University of Florida/Space Life Sciences Laboratory, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
| | - H.D. Smith
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - C.R. Stoker
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - J.D. Tarnas
- Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - K.D. Webster
- Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - C. Bakermans
- Pennsylvania State University, Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - B.K. Baxter
- Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - M.S. Bell
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - S.A. Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - H.H. Bolivar Torres
- Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Coyoacan, Distrito Federal Mexico, Mexico
| | - P.J. Boston
- NASA Astrobiology Institute, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - R. Bruner
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - B.C. Clark
- Space Science Institute, Littleton, Colorado, USA
| | - P. DasSarma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Z.E. Gallegos
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Z.K. Garvin
- Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - P.J. Gasda
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - J.H. Green
- Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - R.L. Harris
- Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - M.E. Hoffman
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - T. Kieft
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - P.A. Lee
- College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - X. Li
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - K.L. Lynch
- Lunar and Planetary Institute/USRA, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - R. Mackelprang
- California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, USA
| | - P.R. Mahaffy
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - L.H. Matthies
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | - H.E. Newsom
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - D.E. Northup
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - S.M. Perl
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - R.C. Quinn
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - L.A. Rowe
- Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | | | - L.A. Scuderi
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - M.N. Spilde
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - V. Stamenković
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - J.A. Torres Celis
- Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Coyoacan, Distrito Federal Mexico, Mexico
| | - D. Viola
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - B.D. Wade
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - C.J. Walker
- Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, USA
| | - R.C. Wiens
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - J.M. Williams
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - J. Xu
- University of Texas, El Paso, Texas, USA
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Abstract
We propose a model whereby microscopic tunnels form in basalt glass in response to a natural proton flux from seawater into the glass. This flux is generated by the alteration of the glass as protons from water replace cations in the glass. In our proton gradient model, cells are gateways through which protons enter and alter the glass and through which cations leave the glass. In the process, tunnels are formed, and cells derive energy from the proton and ion fluxes. Proton flux from seawater into basalt glass would have occurred on Earth as soon as water accumulated on the surface and would have preceded biological redox catalysis. Tunnels in modern basalts are similar to tunnels in Archean basalts, which may be our earliest physical evidence of life. Proton gradients like those described in this paper certainly exist on other planetary bodies where silicate rocks are exposed to acidic to slightly alkaline water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Fisk
- 1 College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Radu Popa
- 2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Wacey
- 3 Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia , Perth, Australia
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Wang A, Sobron P, Kong F, Zheng M, Zhao YYS. Dalangtan Saline Playa in a Hyperarid Region on Tibet Plateau: II. Preservation of Salts with High Hydration Degrees in Subsurface. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1254-1276. [PMID: 30152704 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Based on a field expedition to the Dalangtan (DLT) saline playa located in a hyperarid region (Qaidam Basin) on the Tibet Plateau and follow-up investigations, we report the mineralogy and geochemistry of the salt layers in two vertical stratigraphic cross sections in the DLT playa. Na-, Ca-, Mg-, KCaMg-sulfates; Na-, K-, KMg-chlorides; mixed (K, Mg)-chloride-sulfate; and chlorate and perchlorate were identified in the collected samples. This mineral assemblage represents the last-stage precipitation products from Na-K-Mg-Ca-Cl-SO4 brine and the oxychlorine formation from photochemistry reaction similar to other hyperarid regions on Earth. The spatial distributions of these salts in both stratigraphic cross sections suggest very limited brine volumes during the precipitation episodes in the Holocene era. More importantly, sulfates and chlorides with a high degree of hydrations were found preserved within the subsurface salt-rich layers of DLT saline playa, where the environmental conditions at the surface are controlled by the hyperaridity in the Qaidam Basin on the Tibet Plateau. Our findings suggest a very different temperature and relative humidity environment maintained by the hydrous salts in a subsurface salty layer, where the climatic conditions at surface have very little or no influence. This observation bears some similarities with four observations on Mars, which implies not only a large humidity reservoir in midlatitude and equatorial regions on Mars but also habitability potential that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alian Wang
- 1 Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McDonnell Center for Space Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Pablo Sobron
- 2 SETI Institute , Mountain View, California
- 3 Impossible Sensing , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Fanjing Kong
- 4 MLR Key Laboratory of Saline Lake Environments and Resources, Institute of Mineral Resources , Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mianping Zheng
- 4 MLR Key Laboratory of Saline Lake Environments and Resources, Institute of Mineral Resources , Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Yan Sara Zhao
- 5 Institute of Geochemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
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Williams KE, Heldmann JL, McKay CP, Mellon MT. The effects of snow and salt on ice table stability in University Valley, Antarctica. ANTARCTIC SCIENCE 2018; 30:67-78. [PMID: 32818010 PMCID: PMC7430506 DOI: 10.1017/s0954102017000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic Dry Valleys represent a unique environment where it is possible to study dry permafrost overlaying an ice-rich permafrost. In this paper, two opposing mechanisms for ice table stability in University Valley are addressed: i) diffusive recharge via thin seasonal snow deposits andii) desiccation via salt deposits in the upper soil column. A high-resolution time-marching soil and snow model was constructed and applied to University Valley, driven by meteorological station atmospheric measurements. It was found that periodic thin surficial snow deposits (observed in University Valley) are capable of drastically slowing (if not completely eliminating) the underlying ice table ablation. The effects of NaCl, CaCl2 and perchlorate deposits were then modelled. Unlike the snow cover, however, the presence of salt in the soil surface (but no periodic snow) results in a slight increase in the ice table recession rate, due to the hygroscopic effects of salt sequestering vapour from the ice table below. Near-surface pore ice frequently forms when large amounts of salt are present in the soil due to the suppression of the saturation vapour pressure. Implications for Mars high latitudes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Williams
- Montana State University, Department of Earth Sciences, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- US Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
| | - J L Heldmann
- NASA Ames Research Center, Division of Space Sciences and Astrobiology, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Christopher P McKay
- NASA Ames Research Center, Division of Space Sciences and Astrobiology, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Michael T Mellon
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Planetary Exploration Group, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
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8
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Dundas CM, Bramson AM, Ojha L, Wray JJ, Mellon MT, Byrne S, McEwen AS, Putzig NE, Viola D, Sutton S, Clark E, Holt JW. Exposed subsurface ice sheets in the Martian mid-latitudes. Science 2018; 359:199-201. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aao1619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Thick deposits cover broad regions of the Martian mid-latitudes with a smooth mantle; erosion in these regions creates scarps that expose the internal structure of the mantle. We investigated eight of these locations and found that they expose deposits of water ice that can be >100 meters thick, extending downward from depths as shallow as 1 to 2 meters below the surface. The scarps are actively retreating because of sublimation of the exposed water ice. The ice deposits likely originated as snowfall during Mars’ high-obliquity periods and have now compacted into massive, fractured, and layered ice. We expect the vertical structure of Martian ice-rich deposits to preserve a record of ice deposition and past climate.
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Malherbe C, Hutchinson IB, Ingley R, Boom A, Carr AS, Edwards H, Vertruyen B, Gilbert B, Eppe G. On the Habitability of Desert Varnish: A Combined Study by Micro-Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Methylated Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:1123-1137. [PMID: 29039682 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, the ESA ExoMars and NASA Mars 2020 missions will be launched to Mars to search for evidence of past and present life. In preparation for these missions, terrestrial analog samples of rock formations on Mars are studied in detail in order to optimize the scientific information that the analytical instrumentation will return. Desert varnishes are thin mineral coatings found on rocks in arid and semi-arid environments on Earth that are recognized as analog samples. During the formation of desert varnishes (which takes many hundreds of years), organic matter is incorporated, and microorganisms may also play an active role in the formation process. During this study, four complementary analytical techniques proposed for Mars missions (X-ray diffraction [XRD], Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [Py-GC-MS]) were used to interrogate samples of desert varnish and describe their capacity to sustain life under extreme scenarios. For the first time, both the geochemistry and the organic compounds associated with desert varnish are described with the use of identical sets of samples. XRD and Raman spectroscopy measurements were used to nondestructively interrogate the mineralogy of the samples. In addition, the use of Raman spectroscopy instruments enabled the detection of β-carotene, a highly Raman-active biomarker. The content and the nature of the organic material in the samples were further investigated with elemental analysis and methylated Py-GC-MS, and a bacterial origin was determined to be likely. In the context of planetary exploration, we describe the habitable nature of desert varnish based on the biogeochemical composition of the samples. Possible interference of the geological substrate on the detectability of pyrolysis products is also suggested. Key Words: Desert varnish-Habitability-Raman spectroscopy-Py-GC-MS-XRD-ExoMars-Planetary science. Astrobiology 17, 1123-1137.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Malherbe
- 1 Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester , Leicester, UK
- 2 Laboratory of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège , Liège, Belgium
| | - I B Hutchinson
- 1 Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester , Leicester, UK
| | - R Ingley
- 1 Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester , Leicester, UK
| | - A Boom
- 3 Department of Geography, University of Leicester , Leicester, UK
| | - A S Carr
- 3 Department of Geography, University of Leicester , Leicester, UK
| | - H Edwards
- 1 Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester , Leicester, UK
| | - B Vertruyen
- 4 LCIS/GREENMAT, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège , Liège, Belgium
| | - B Gilbert
- 2 Laboratory of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège , Liège, Belgium
| | - G Eppe
- 2 Laboratory of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège , Liège, Belgium
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Sizemore HG, Platz T, Schorghofer N, Prettyman TH, De Sanctis MC, Crown DA, Schmedemann N, Neesemann A, Kneissl T, Marchi S, Schenk PM, Bland MT, Schmidt BE, Hughson KHG, Tosi F, Zambon F, Mest SC, Yingst RA, Williams DA, Russell CT, Raymond CA. Pitted terrains on (1) Ceres and implications for shallow subsurface volatile distribution. GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS 2017; 44:6570-6578. [PMID: 28989206 PMCID: PMC5606497 DOI: 10.1002/2017gl073970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Prior to the arrival of the Dawn spacecraft at Ceres, the dwarf planet was anticipated to be ice-rich. Searches for morphological features related to ice have been ongoing during Dawn's mission at Ceres. Here we report the identification of pitted terrains associated with fresh Cerean impact craters. The Cerean pitted terrains exhibit strong morphological similarities to pitted materials previously identified on Mars (where ice is implicated in pit development) and Vesta (where the presence of ice is debated). We employ numerical models to investigate the formation of pitted materials on Ceres and discuss the relative importance of water ice and other volatiles in pit development there. We conclude that water ice likely plays an important role in pit development on Ceres. Similar pitted terrains may be common in the asteroid belt and may be of interest to future missions motivated by both astrobiology and in situ resource utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - T. Platz
- Max Planck Institute for Solar System ResearchGöttingenGermany
| | | | | | | | | | - N. Schmedemann
- Department of Earth SciencesFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - A. Neesemann
- Department of Earth SciencesFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - T. Kneissl
- Department of Earth SciencesFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - S. Marchi
- Southwest Research InstituteBoulderColoradoUSA
| | | | - M. T. Bland
- USGS Astrogeology Science CenterFlagstaffArizonaUSA
| | - B. E. Schmidt
- Department of Planetary and Space PhysicsGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - K. H. G. Hughson
- Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space SciencesUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - F. Tosi
- Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali, INAFRomeItaly
| | - F. Zambon
- Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali, INAFRomeItaly
| | - S. C. Mest
- Planetary Science InstituteTucsonArizonaUSA
| | | | - D. A. Williams
- School of Earth and Space SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
| | - C. T. Russell
- Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space SciencesUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - C. A. Raymond
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
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11
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Rummel JD, Beaty DW, Jones MA, Bakermans C, Barlow NG, Boston PJ, Chevrier VF, Clark BC, de Vera JPP, Gough RV, Hallsworth JE, Head JW, Hipkin VJ, Kieft TL, McEwen AS, Mellon MT, Mikucki JA, Nicholson WL, Omelon CR, Peterson R, Roden EE, Sherwood Lollar B, Tanaka KL, Viola D, Wray JJ. A new analysis of Mars "Special Regions": findings of the second MEPAG Special Regions Science Analysis Group (SR-SAG2). ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:887-968. [PMID: 25401393 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A committee of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) has reviewed and updated the description of Special Regions on Mars as places where terrestrial organisms might replicate (per the COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy). This review and update was conducted by an international team (SR-SAG2) drawn from both the biological science and Mars exploration communities, focused on understanding when and where Special Regions could occur. The study applied recently available data about martian environments and about terrestrial organisms, building on a previous analysis of Mars Special Regions (2006) undertaken by a similar team. Since then, a new body of highly relevant information has been generated from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (launched in 2005) and Phoenix (2007) and data from Mars Express and the twin Mars Exploration Rovers (all 2003). Results have also been gleaned from the Mars Science Laboratory (launched in 2011). In addition to Mars data, there is a considerable body of new data regarding the known environmental limits to life on Earth-including the potential for terrestrial microbial life to survive and replicate under martian environmental conditions. The SR-SAG2 analysis has included an examination of new Mars models relevant to natural environmental variation in water activity and temperature; a review and reconsideration of the current parameters used to define Special Regions; and updated maps and descriptions of the martian environments recommended for treatment as "Uncertain" or "Special" as natural features or those potentially formed by the influence of future landed spacecraft. Significant changes in our knowledge of the capabilities of terrestrial organisms and the existence of possibly habitable martian environments have led to a new appreciation of where Mars Special Regions may be identified and protected. The SR-SAG also considered the impact of Special Regions on potential future human missions to Mars, both as locations of potential resources and as places that should not be inadvertently contaminated by human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Rummel
- 1 Department of Biology, East Carolina University , Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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12
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An Alternative Approach to Mapping Thermophysical Units from Martian Thermal Inertia and Albedo Data Using a Combination of Unsupervised Classification Techniques. REMOTE SENSING 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/rs6065184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Heldmann JL, Schurmeier L, McKay C, Davila A, Stoker C, Marinova M, Wilhelm MB. Midlatitude ice-rich ground on mars as a target in the search for evidence of life and for in situ resource utilization on human missions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:102-118. [PMID: 24506507 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2013.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Midlatitude ground ice on Mars is of significant scientific interest for understanding the history and evolution of ice stability on Mars and is relevant for human exploration as a possible in situ resource. For both science and exploration, assessing the astrobiological potential of the ice is important in terms of (1) understanding the potential for life on Mars and (2) evaluating the presence of possible biohazards in advance of human exploration. In the present study, we review the evidence for midlatitude ground ice on Mars, discuss the possible explanations for its occurrence, and assess its potential habitability. During the course of study, we systematically analyzed remote-sensing data sets to determine whether a viable landing site exists in the northern midlatitudes to enable a robotic mission that conducts in situ characterization and searches for evidence of life in the ice. We classified each site according to (1) presence of polygons as a proxy for subsurface ice, (2) presence and abundance of rough topographic obstacles (e.g., large cracks, cliffs, uneven topography), (3) rock density, (4) presence and abundance of large boulders, and (5) presence of craters. We found that a suitable landing site exists within Amazonis Planitia near ground ice that was recently excavated by a meteorite impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Heldmann
- 1 NASA Ames Research Center , Division of Space Sciences and Astrobiology, Moffett Field, California
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14
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Zacny K, Paulsen G, McKay CP, Glass B, Davé A, Davila AF, Marinova M, Mellerowicz B, Heldmann J, Stoker C, Cabrol N, Hedlund M, Craft J. Reaching 1 m deep on Mars: the Icebreaker drill. ASTROBIOLOGY 2013; 13:1166-1198. [PMID: 24303959 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2013.1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The future exploration of Mars will require access to the subsurface, along with acquisition of samples for scientific analysis and ground-truthing of water ice and mineral reserves for in situ resource utilization. The Icebreaker drill is an integral part of the Icebreaker mission concept to search for life in ice-rich regions on Mars. Since the mission targets Mars Special Regions as defined by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), the drill has to meet the appropriate cleanliness standards as requested by NASA's Planetary Protection Office. In addition, the Icebreaker mission carries life-detection instruments; and in turn, the drill and sample delivery system have to meet stringent contamination requirements to prevent false positives. This paper reports on the development and testing of the Icebreaker drill, a 1 m class rotary-percussive drill and triple redundant sample delivery system. The drill acquires subsurface samples in short, approximately 10 cm bites, which makes the sampling system robust and prevents thawing and phase changes in the target materials. Autonomous drilling, sample acquisition, and sample transfer have been successfully demonstrated in Mars analog environments in the Arctic and the Antarctic Dry Valleys, as well as in a Mars environmental chamber. In all environments, the drill has been shown to perform at the "1-1-100-100" level; that is, it drilled to 1 m depth in approximately 1 hour with less than 100 N weight on bit and approximately 100 W of power. The drilled substrate varied and included pure ice, ice-rich regolith with and without rocks and with and without 2% perchlorate, and whole rocks. The drill is currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5. The next-generation Icebreaker drill weighs 10 kg, which is representative of the flightlike model at TRL 5/6.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zacny
- 1 Honeybee Robotics , Pasadena, California
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15
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McKay CP, Stoker CR, Glass BJ, Davé AI, Davila AF, Heldmann JL, Marinova MM, Fairen AG, Quinn RC, Zacny KA, Paulsen G, Smith PH, Parro V, Andersen DT, Hecht MH, Lacelle D, Pollard WH. The Icebreaker Life Mission to Mars: a search for biomolecular evidence for life. ASTROBIOLOGY 2013; 13:334-53. [PMID: 23560417 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The search for evidence of life on Mars is the primary motivation for the exploration of that planet. The results from previous missions, and the Phoenix mission in particular, indicate that the ice-cemented ground in the north polar plains is likely to be the most recently habitable place that is currently known on Mars. The near-surface ice likely provided adequate water activity during periods of high obliquity, ≈ 5 Myr ago. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are present in the atmosphere, and nitrates may be present in the soil. Perchlorate in the soil together with iron in basaltic rock provides a possible energy source for life. Furthermore, the presence of organics must once again be considered, as the results of the Viking GCMS are now suspect given the discovery of the thermally reactive perchlorate. Ground ice may provide a way to preserve organic molecules for extended periods of time, especially organic biomarkers. The Mars Icebreaker Life mission focuses on the following science goals: (1) Search for specific biomolecules that would be conclusive evidence of life. (2) Perform a general search for organic molecules in the ground ice. (3) Determine the processes of ground ice formation and the role of liquid water. (4) Understand the mechanical properties of the martian polar ice-cemented soil. (5) Assess the recent habitability of the environment with respect to required elements to support life, energy sources, and possible toxic elements. (6) Compare the elemental composition of the northern plains with midlatitude sites. The Icebreaker Life payload has been designed around the Phoenix spacecraft and is targeted to a site near the Phoenix landing site. However, the Icebreaker payload could be supported on other Mars landing systems. Preliminary studies of the SpaceX Dragon lander show that it could support the Icebreaker payload for a landing either at the Phoenix site or at midlatitudes. Duplicate samples could be cached as a target for possible return by a Mars Sample Return mission. If the samples were shown to contain organic biomarkers, interest in returning them to Earth would be high.
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16
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Wilhelm RC, Radtke KJ, Mykytczuk NCS, Greer CW, Whyte LG. Life at the wedge: the activity and diversity of arctic ice wedge microbial communities. ASTROBIOLOGY 2012; 12:347-360. [PMID: 22519974 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2011.0730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of polygonal terrain on Mars underlain by ice heightens interest in the possibility that this water-bearing habitat may be, or may have been, a suitable habitat for extant life. The possibility is supported by the recurring detection of terrestrial microorganisms in subsurface ice environments, such as ice wedges found beneath tundra polygon features. A characterization of the microbial community of ice wedges from the high Arctic was performed to determine whether this ice environment can sustain actively respiring microorganisms and to assess the ecology of this extreme niche. We found that ice wedge samples contained a relatively abundant number of culturable cells compared to other ice habitats (∼10(5) CFU·mL(-1)). Respiration assays in which radio-labeled acetate and in situ measurement of CO(2) flux were used suggested low levels of microbial activity, though more sensitive techniques are required to confirm these findings. Based on 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, bacterial and archaeal ice wedge communities appeared to reflect surrounding soil communities. Two Pseudomonas sp. were the most abundant taxa in the ice wedge bacterial library (∼50%), while taxa related to ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarchaeota occupied 90% of the archaeal library. The tolerance of a variety of isolates to salinity and temperature revealed characteristics of a psychrotolerant, halotolerant community. Our findings support the hypothesis that ice wedges are capable of sustaining a diverse, plausibly active microbial community. As such, ice wedges, compared to other forms of less habitable ground ice, could serve as a reservoir for life on permanently cold, water-scarce, ice-rich extraterrestrial bodies and are therefore of interest to astrobiologists and ecologists alike. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland C Wilhelm
- Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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17
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Siegler M, Aharonson O, Carey E, Choukroun M, Hudson T, Schorghofer N, Xu S. Measurements of thermal properties of icy Mars regolith analogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/2011je003938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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18
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Maurice S, Feldman W, Diez B, Gasnault O, Lawrence DJ, Pathare A, Prettyman T. Mars Odyssey neutron data: 1. Data processing and models of water-equivalent-hydrogen distribution. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2011je003810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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19
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Stillman DE, Grimm RE. Dielectric signatures of adsorbed and salty liquid water at the Phoenix landing site, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2011je003838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [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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20
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Hauber E, Reiss D, Ulrich M, Preusker F, Trauthan F, Zanetti M, Hiesinger H, Jaumann R, Johansson L, Johnsson A, Van Gasselt S, Olvmo M. Landscape evolution in Martian mid-latitude regions: insights from analogous periglacial landforms in Svalbard. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1144/sp356.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPeriglacial landforms on Spitsbergen (Svalbard, Norway) are morphologically similar to landforms on Mars that are probably related to the past and/or present existence of ice at or near the surface. Many of these landforms, such as gullies, debris-flow fans, polygonal terrain, fractured mounds and rock-glacier-like features, are observed in close spatial proximity in mid-latitude craters on Mars. On Svalbard, analogous landforms occur in strikingly similar proximity, which makes them useful study cases to infer the spatial and chronological evolution of Martian cold-climate surface processes. The analysis of the morphological inventory of analogous landforms on Svalbard and Mars allows the processes operating on Mars to be constrained. Different qualitative scenarios of landscape evolution on Mars help to better understand the action of periglacial processes on Mars in the recent past.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Hauber
- Institut für Planetenforschung, DLR, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - D. Reiss
- Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - M. Ulrich
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
| | - F. Preusker
- Institut für Planetenforschung, DLR, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - F. Trauthan
- Institut für Planetenforschung, DLR, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - M. Zanetti
- Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - H. Hiesinger
- Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - R. Jaumann
- Institut für Planetenforschung, DLR, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - L. Johansson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 460, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - A. Johnsson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 460, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - S. Van Gasselt
- Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften, Freie Universität Berlin, Malteserstrasse 74-100, 12249 Berlin, Germany
| | - M. Olvmo
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 460, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
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21
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Hansen CJ, Bourke M, Bridges NT, Byrne S, Colon C, Diniega S, Dundas C, Herkenhoff K, McEwen A, Mellon M, Portyankina G, Thomas N. Seasonal Erosion and Restoration of Mars’ Northern Polar Dunes. Science 2011; 331:575-8. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1197636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. J. Hansen
- Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - M. Bourke
- Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - N. T. Bridges
- Applied Physics Lab, John Hopkins University, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - S. Byrne
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - C. Colon
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - S. Diniega
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - C. Dundas
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | | | - A. McEwen
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - M. Mellon
- Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - G. Portyankina
- Space Research and Planetology Division, University of Bern, CH-0132 Bern, Switzerland
| | - N. Thomas
- Space Research and Planetology Division, University of Bern, CH-0132 Bern, Switzerland
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22
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Michalski JR, Poulet F, Loizeau D, Mangold N, Dobrea EN, Bishop JL, Wray JJ, McKeown NK, Parente M, Hauber E, Altieri F, Carrozzo FG, Niles PB. The Mawrth Vallis region of Mars: A potential landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. ASTROBIOLOGY 2010; 10:687-703. [PMID: 20950170 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2010.0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, which will launch in 2011, is to characterize the habitability of a site on Mars through detailed analyses of the composition and geological context of surface materials. Within the framework of established mission goals, we have evaluated the value of a possible landing site in the Mawrth Vallis region of Mars that is targeted directly on some of the most geologically and astrobiologically enticing materials in the Solar System. The area around Mawrth Vallis contains a vast (>1 × 10⁶ km²) deposit of phyllosilicate-rich, ancient, layered rocks. A thick (>150 m) stratigraphic section that exhibits spectral evidence for nontronite, montmorillonite, amorphous silica, kaolinite, saponite, other smectite clay minerals, ferrous mica, and sulfate minerals indicates a rich geological history that may have included multiple aqueous environments. Because phyllosilicates are strong indicators of ancient aqueous activity, and the preservation potential of biosignatures within sedimentary clay deposits is high, martian phyllosilicate deposits are desirable astrobiological targets. The proposed MSL landing site at Mawrth Vallis is located directly on the largest and most phyllosilicate-rich deposit on Mars and is therefore an excellent place to explore for evidence of life or habitability.
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23
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Stoker CR, Zent A, Catling DC, Douglas S, Marshall JR, Archer D, Clark B, Kounaves SP, Lemmon MT, Quinn R, Renno N, Smith PH, Young SM. Habitability of the Phoenix landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Zent AP, Hecht MH, Cobos DR, Wood SE, Hudson TL, Milkovich SM, DeFlores LP, Mellon MT. Initial results from the thermal and electrical conductivity probe (TECP) on Phoenix. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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25
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Sizemore HG, Mellon MT, Searls ML, Lemmon MT, Zent AP, Heet TL, Arvidson RE, Blaney DL, Keller HU. In situ analysis of ice table depth variations in the vicinity of small rocks at the Phoenix landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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