Prime candidate sites for the astrobiological exploration of Mars according to its hydrogeological history

Three prime candidate sites for the astrobiological exploration of Mars have been identified on the basis of its hydrogeological history. Each of the sites corresponds to a major inundation phase of the global hydrological model. The Terra Meridiani site is related to the Noachian to Hesperian time, which suggest an aqueous-hydrothermal origin. The Mangala Valles relates to Late Hesperian to Early Amazonian time, where diminishing martian episodic hydrologic events over geologic time are recorded representing a later pulse of tharsis-driven hydrologic activity. The Orcus Patera site relates to Amazonian time, which is a volcanic caldera or impact crater where reduced ponded bodied of water may had existed during almost contemporary times.