An inventory of potentially habitable environments on Mars: Geological and biological perspectives

J. M. Dohm, H. Miyamoto, G. G. Ori, A. G. Fairén, A. F. Davila, G. Komatsu, W. C. Mahaney, J. P. Williams, S. B. Joye, G. Di Achille, D. Z. Oehler, G. A. Marzo, D. Schulze-Makuch, V. Acocella, M. Glamoclija, M. Pondrelli, P. Boston, K. M. Hart, R. C. Anderson, V. R. BakerW. Fink, B. P. Kelleher, R. Furfaro, C. Gross, T. M. Hare, A. R. Frazer, F. Ip, C. C.R. Allen, K. J. Kim, S. Maruyama, P. C. McGuire, D. Netoff, J. Parnell, L. Wendt, S. J. Wheelock, A. Steele, R. G.V. Hancock, R. A. Havics, P. Costa, D. Krinsley

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    26 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    On Earth, biology, hydrology, and geology are interlinked such that certain types of life are often associated with specifi c conditions, including rock type, pressure, temperature, and chemistry. Life on Earth has established itself in diverse and extreme niches, presenting the possibility that Mars, too, may hold records of fossilized and/or extant life in diverse environments. Geologic, paleohydrologic, and climatic conditions through the evolution of Mars are similar in many respects to conditions occurring during the evolution of Earth and, as such, may point to environments on Mars with potential to have supported living systems. Here, we discuss examples of those Martian settings. Such extraterrestrial environments should be targeted by international robotic and/or manned missions to explore potential fossilized or extant life on Mars.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAnalogs for Planetary Exploration
    PublisherGeological Society of America
    Pages317-347
    Number of pages31
    ISBN (Print)9780813724836
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Publication series

    NameSpecial Paper of the Geological Society of America
    Volume483
    ISSN (Print)0072-1077

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Geology

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