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

28 Scopus citations

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 (US)
Title of host publicationAnalogs for Planetary Exploration
PublisherGeological Society of America
Pages317-347
Number of pages31
ISBN (Print)9780813724836
DOIs
StatePublished - 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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