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Çelekli A, Zariç ÖE. Breathing life into Mars: Terraforming and the pivotal role of algae in atmospheric genesis. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:181-190. [PMID: 38670646 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The Martian environment, characterized by extreme aridity, frigid temperatures, and a lack of atmospheric oxygen, presents a formidable challenge for potential terraforming endeavors. This review article synthesizes current research on utilizing algae as biocatalysts in the proposed terraforming of Mars, assessing their capacity to facilitate Martian atmospheric conditions through photosynthetic bioengineering. We analyze the physiological and genetic traits of extremophile algae that equip them for survival in extreme habitats on Earth, which serve as analogs for Martian surface conditions. The potential for these organisms to mediate atmospheric change on Mars is evaluated, specifically their role in biogenic oxygen production and carbon dioxide sequestration. We discuss strategies for enhancing algal strains' resilience and metabolic efficiency, including genetic modification and the development of bioreactors for controlled growth in extraterrestrial environments. The integration of algal systems with existing mechanical and chemical terraforming proposals is also examined, proposing a synergistic approach for establishing a nascent Martian biosphere. Ethical and ecological considerations concerning introducing terrestrial life to extra-planetary bodies are critically appraised. This appraisal includes an examination of potential ecological feedback loops and inherent risks associated with biological terraforming. Biological terraforming is the theoretical process of deliberately altering a planet's atmosphere, temperature, and ecosystem to render it suitable for Earth-like life. The feasibility of a phased introduction of life, starting with microbial taxa and progressing to multicellular organisms, fosters a supportive atmosphere on Mars. By extending the frontier of biotechnological innovation into space, this work contributes to the foundational understanding necessary for one of humanity's most audacious goals-the terraforming of another planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abuzer Çelekli
- Gaziantep University, Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Biology, Gaziantep, Turkey; Gaziantep University, Environmental Research Center (GÜÇAMER), Gaziantep, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Eren Zariç
- Gaziantep University, Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Biology, Gaziantep, Turkey; Gaziantep University, Environmental Research Center (GÜÇAMER), Gaziantep, Turkey
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2
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Lange L, Forget F, Banfield D, Wolff M, Spiga A, Millour E, Viúdez‐Moreiras D, Bierjon A, Piqueux S, Newman C, Pla‐García J, Banerdt WB. InSight Pressure Data Recalibration, and Its Application to the Study of Long-Term Pressure Changes on Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2022; 127:e2022JE007190. [PMID: 35865505 PMCID: PMC9286347 DOI: 10.1029/2022je007190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Observations of the South Polar Residual Cap suggest a possible erosion of the cap, leading to an increase of the global mass of the atmosphere. We test this assumption by making the first comparison between Viking 1 and InSight surface pressure data, which were recorded 40 years apart. Such a comparison also allows us to determine changes in the dynamics of the seasonal ice caps between these two periods. To do so, we first had to recalibrate the InSight pressure data because of their unexpected sensitivity to the sensor temperature. Then, we had to design a procedure to compare distant pressure measurements. We propose two surface pressure interpolation methods at the local and global scale to do the comparison. The comparison of Viking and InSight seasonal surface pressure variations does not show changes larger than ±8 Pa in the CO2 cycle. Such conclusions are supported by an analysis of Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) pressure data. Further comparisons with images of the south seasonal cap taken by the Viking 2 orbiter and MARCI camera do not display significant changes in the dynamics of this cap over a 40 year period. Only a possible larger extension of the North Cap after the global storm of MY 34 is observed, but the physical mechanisms behind this anomaly are not well determined. Finally, the first comparison of MSL and InSight pressure data suggests a pressure deficit at Gale crater during southern summer, possibly resulting from a large presence of dust suspended within the crater.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Lange
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique,Institut Pierre‐Simon Laplace (LMD/IPSL)Sorbonne UniversitéCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), École Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure (ENS)ParisFrance
| | - F. Forget
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique,Institut Pierre‐Simon Laplace (LMD/IPSL)Sorbonne UniversitéCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), École Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure (ENS)ParisFrance
| | - D. Banfield
- Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary ScienceCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - M. Wolff
- Space Science InstituteBoulderCOUSA
| | - A. Spiga
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique,Institut Pierre‐Simon Laplace (LMD/IPSL)Sorbonne UniversitéCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), École Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure (ENS)ParisFrance
- Institut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
| | - E. Millour
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique,Institut Pierre‐Simon Laplace (LMD/IPSL)Sorbonne UniversitéCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), École Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure (ENS)ParisFrance
| | - D. Viúdez‐Moreiras
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC‐INTA) and National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA)MadridSpain
| | - A. Bierjon
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique,Institut Pierre‐Simon Laplace (LMD/IPSL)Sorbonne UniversitéCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), École Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure (ENS)ParisFrance
| | - S. Piqueux
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | | | - J. Pla‐García
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC‐INTA) and National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA)MadridSpain
- Southwest Research InstituteBoulderCOUSA
| | - W. B. Banerdt
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
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3
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Recognition of Sedimentary Rock Occurrences in Satellite and Aerial Images of Other Worlds—Insights from Mars. REMOTE SENSING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/rs13214296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sedimentary rocks provide records of past surface and subsurface processes and environments. The first step in the study of the sedimentary rock record of another world is to learn to recognize their occurrences in images from instruments aboard orbiting, flyby, or aerial platforms. For two decades, Mars has been known to have sedimentary rocks; however, planet-wide identification is incomplete. Global coverage at 0.25–6 m/pixel, and observations from the Curiosity rover in Gale crater, expand the ability to recognize Martian sedimentary rocks. No longer limited to cases that are light-toned, lightly cratered, and stratified—or mimic original depositional setting (e.g., lithified deltas)—Martian sedimentary rocks include dark-toned examples, as well as rocks that are erosion-resistant enough to retain small craters as well as do lava flows. Breakdown of conglomerates, breccias, and even some mudstones, can produce a pebbly regolith that imparts a “smooth” appearance in satellite and aerial images. Context is important; sedimentary rocks remain challenging to distinguish from primary igneous rocks in some cases. Detection of ultramafic, mafic, or andesitic compositions do not dictate that a rock is igneous, and clast genesis should be considered separately from the depositional record. Mars likely has much more sedimentary rock than previously recognized.
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Dundas CM, Becerra P, Byrne S, Chojnacki M, Daubar IJ, Diniega S, Hansen CJ, Herkenhoff KE, Landis ME, McEwen AS, Portyankina G, Valantinas A. Active Mars: A Dynamic World. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2021; 126:e2021JE006876. [PMID: 35845553 PMCID: PMC9285055 DOI: 10.1029/2021je006876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mars exhibits diverse surface changes at all latitudes and all seasons. Active processes include impact cratering, aeolian sand and dust transport, a variety of slope processes, changes in polar ices, and diverse effects of seasonal CO2 frost. The extent of surface change has been surprising and indicates that the present climate is capable of reshaping the surface. Activity has important implications for the Amazonian history of Mars: understanding processes is a necessary step before we can understand their implications and variations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Dundas
- U.S. Geological SurveyAstrogeology Science CenterFlagstaffAZUSA
| | | | - Shane Byrne
- Lunar and Planetary LaboratoryUniversity of ArizonaTucsonAZUSA
| | | | - Ingrid J. Daubar
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary SciencesBrown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
| | - Serina Diniega
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | | | | | - Margaret E. Landis
- Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space PhysicsUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCOUSA
| | | | - Ganna Portyankina
- Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space PhysicsUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCOUSA
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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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6
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Pressurized brines in continental Antarctica as a possible analogue of Mars. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33158. [PMID: 27616183 PMCID: PMC5018818 DOI: 10.1038/srep33158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in brines in extreme and cold environments has recently increased after they have been found on Mars. Those brines can be potential new subsurface habitats for peculiar ecosystems. In the McMurdo Dry Valleys of the Antarctic, the best analogue for Mars conditions, only a few cases of brines have been identified in some perennially frozen lakes and in one case in an underground aquifer. Here, we present the occurrence of pressurized brines in a shallow perennially ice-covered lake south of 70°S in an ice-free area of Victoria Land, Antarctica. For the first time, we also imaged, by means of ground penetrating radar data, the existence of a pingo-like-feature (PLF) formed by the extrusion of brines, which has also been confirmed by borehole evidence. Those brines are fed by an underground talik external to the lake basin, enhancing the possibility of unexploited ecosystems that could find an analogue in Martian environments.
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7
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Wong MH, Atreya SK, Mahaffy PN, Franz HB, Malespin C, Trainer MG, Stern JC, Conrad PG, Manning HLK, Pepin RO, Becker RH, McKay CP, Owen TC, Navarro-González R, Jones JH, Jakosky BM, Steele A. Isotopes of nitrogen on Mars: Atmospheric measurements by Curiosity's mass spectrometer. GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS 2013; 40:6033-6037. [PMID: 26074632 PMCID: PMC4459194 DOI: 10.1002/2013gl057840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
[1] The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) measured a Mars atmospheric14N/15N ratio of 173 ± 11 on sol 341 of the mission, agreeing with Viking's measurement of 168 ± 17. The MSL/SAM value was based on Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer measurements of an enriched atmospheric sample, with CO2 and H2O removed. Doubly ionized nitrogen data at m/z 14 and 14.5 had the highest signal/background ratio, with results confirmed by m/z 28 and 29 data. Gases in SNC meteorite glasses have been interpreted as mixtures containing a Martian atmospheric component, based partly on distinctive14N/15N and40Ar/14N ratios. Recent MSL/SAM measurements of the40Ar/14N ratio (0.51 ± 0.01) are incompatible with the Viking ratio (0.35 ± 0.08). The meteorite mixing line is more consistent with the atmospheric composition measured by Viking than by MSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Wong
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Astronomy Department, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, California, USA
| | - Sushil K Atreya
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Paul N Mahaffy
- Code 699, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather B Franz
- Code 699, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles Malespin
- Code 699, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jennifer C Stern
- Code 699, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela G Conrad
- Code 699, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Robert O Pepin
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Richard H Becker
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Tobias C Owen
- Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaHonolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Steele
- Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of WashingtonWashington, District of Columbia, USA
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8
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Sprague AL, Boynton WV, Forget F, Lian Y, Richardson M, Starr R, Metzger AE, Hamara D, Economou T. Interannual similarity and variation in seasonal circulation of Mars' atmospheric Ar as seen by the Gamma Ray Spectrometer on Mars Odyssey. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/2011je003873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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9
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Mike Malin: the Mars observer. Nature 2011; 479:460-3. [PMID: 22113672 DOI: 10.1038/479460a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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10
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Edwards CS, Nowicki KJ, Christensen PR, Hill J, Gorelick N, Murray K. Mosaicking of global planetary image datasets: 1. Techniques and data processing for Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) multi-spectral data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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11
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Blewett DT, Chabot NL, Denevi BW, Ernst CM, Head JW, Izenberg NR, Murchie SL, Solomon SC, Nittler LR, McCoy TJ, Xiao Z, Baker DMH, Fassett CI, Braden SE, Oberst J, Scholten F, Preusker F, Hurwitz DM. Hollows on Mercury: MESSENGER Evidence for Geologically Recent Volatile-Related Activity. Science 2011; 333:1856-9. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1211681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David T. Blewett
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Nancy L. Chabot
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Brett W. Denevi
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Carolyn M. Ernst
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - James W. Head
- Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Noam R. Izenberg
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Scott L. Murchie
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
| | - Sean C. Solomon
- Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015, USA
| | - Larry R. Nittler
- Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015, USA
| | | | - Zhiyong Xiao
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Faculty of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, P. R. China
| | - David M. H. Baker
- Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Caleb I. Fassett
- Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Sarah E. Braden
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85251, USA
| | - Jürgen Oberst
- Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Scholten
- Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Preusker
- Institute of Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Debra M. Hurwitz
- Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Thomas
- Center for Radiophysics and Space Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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13
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Zuber MT, Phillips RJ, Andrews-Hanna JC, Asmar SW, Konopliv AS, Lemoine FG, Plaut JJ, Smith DE, Smrekar SE. Density of Mars' South Polar Layered Deposits. Science 2007; 317:1718-9. [PMID: 17885129 DOI: 10.1126/science.1146995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Both poles of Mars are hidden beneath caps of layered ice. We calculated the density of the south polar layered deposits by combining the gravity field obtained from initial results of radio tracking of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter with existing surface topography from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter on the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft and basal topography from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding on the Mars Express spacecraft. The results indicate a best-fit density of 1220 kilograms per cubic meter, which is consistent with water ice that has approximately 15% admixed dust. The results demonstrate that the deposits are probably composed of relatively clean water ice and also refine the martian surface-water inventory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Zuber
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA.
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14
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McCleese DJ, Schofield JT, Taylor FW, Calcutt SB, Foote MC, Kass DM, Leovy CB, Paige DA, Read PL, Zurek RW. Mars Climate Sounder: An investigation of thermal and water vapor structure, dust and condensate distributions in the atmosphere, and energy balance of the polar regions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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15
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Malin MC, Bell JF, Cantor BA, Caplinger MA, Calvin WM, Clancy RT, Edgett KS, Edwards L, Haberle RM, James PB, Lee SW, Ravine MA, Thomas PC, Wolff MJ. Context Camera Investigation on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 805] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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16
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McEwen AS, Eliason EM, Bergstrom JW, Bridges NT, Hansen CJ, Delamere WA, Grant JA, Gulick VC, Herkenhoff KE, Keszthelyi L, Kirk RL, Mellon MT, Squyres SW, Thomas N, Weitz CM. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2005je002605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1056] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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17
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Fenton LK, Geissler PE, Haberle RM. Global warming and climate forcing by recent albedo changes on Mars. Nature 2007; 446:646-9. [PMID: 17410170 DOI: 10.1038/nature05718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2006] [Accepted: 02/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
For hundreds of years, scientists have tracked the changing appearance of Mars, first by hand drawings and later by photographs. Because of this historical record, many classical albedo patterns have long been known to shift in appearance over time. Decadal variations of the martian surface albedo are generally attributed to removal and deposition of small amounts of relatively bright dust on the surface. Large swaths of the surface (up to 56 million km2) have been observed to darken or brighten by 10 per cent or more. It is unknown, however, how these albedo changes affect wind circulation, dust transport and the feedback between these processes and the martian climate. Here we present predictions from a Mars general circulation model, indicating that the observed interannual albedo alterations strongly influence the martian environment. Results indicate enhanced wind stress in recently darkened areas and decreased wind stress in brightened areas, producing a positive feedback system in which the albedo changes strengthen the winds that generate the changes. The simulations also predict a net annual global warming of surface air temperatures by approximately 0.65 K, enhancing dust lifting by increasing the likelihood of dust devil generation. The increase in global dust lifting by both wind stress and dust devils may affect the mechanisms that trigger large dust storm initiation, a poorly understood phenomenon, unique to Mars. In addition, predicted increases in summertime air temperatures at high southern latitudes would contribute to the rapid and steady scarp retreat that has been observed in the south polar residual ice for the past four Mars years. Our results suggest that documented albedo changes affect recent climate change and large-scale weather patterns on Mars, and thus albedo variations are a necessary component of future atmospheric and climate studies.
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Billings L, Cameron V, Claire M, Dick GJ, Domagal-Goldman SD, Javaux EJ, Johnson OJ, Laws C, Race MS, Rask J, Rummel JD, Schelble RT, Vance S. The astrobiology primer: an outline of general knowledge--version 1, 2006. ASTROBIOLOGY 2006; 6:735-813. [PMID: 17067259 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2006.6.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Astrobiology Primer has been created as a reference tool for those who are interested in the interdisciplinary field of astrobiology. The field incorporates many diverse research endeavors, but it is our hope that this slim volume will present the reader with all he or she needs to know to become involved and to understand, at least at a fundamental level, the state of the art. Each section includes a brief overview of a topic and a short list of readable and important literature for those interested in deeper knowledge. Because of the great diversity of material, each section was written by a different author with a different expertise. Contributors, authors, and editors are listed at the beginning, along with a list of those chapters and sections for which they were responsible. We are deeply indebted to the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI), in particular to Estelle Dodson, David Morrison, Ed Goolish, Krisstina Wilmoth, and Rose Grymes for their continued enthusiasm and support. The Primer came about in large part because of NAI support for graduate student research, collaboration, and inclusion as well as direct funding. We have entitled the Primer version 1 in hope that it will be only the first in a series, whose future volumes will be produced every 3-5 years. This way we can insure that the Primer keeps up with the current state of research. We hope that it will be a great resource for anyone trying to stay abreast of an ever-changing field.
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20
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Prieto-Ballesteros O, Fernández-Remolar DC, Rodríguez-Manfredi JA, Selsis F, Manrubia SC. Spiders: water-driven erosive structures in the southern hemisphere of Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2006; 6:651-67. [PMID: 16916289 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2006.6.651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent data from space missions reveal that there are ongoing climatic changes and erosive processes that continuously modify surface features of Mars. We have investigated the seasonal dynamics of a number of morphological features located at Inca City, a representative area at high southern latitude that has undergone seasonal processes. By integrating visual information from the Mars Orbiter Camera on board the Mars Global Surveyor and climatic cycles from a Mars' General Circulation Model, and considering the recently reported evidence for the presence of water-ice and aqueous precipitates on Mars, we propose that a number of the erosive features identified in Inca City, among them spiders, result from the seasonal melting of aqueous salty solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Prieto-Ballesteros
- Centro de Astrobiología, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ctra. Ajalvir km. 4, 28850 Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain.
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Korablev O, Bertaux JL, Fedorova A, Fonteyn D, Stepanov A, Kalinnikov Y, Kiselev A, Grigoriev A, Jegoulev V, Perrier S, Dimarellis E, Dubois JP, Reberac A, Van Ransbeeck E, Gondet B, Montmessin F, Rodin A. SPICAM IR acousto-optic spectrometer experiment on Mars Express. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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22
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van Gasselt S, Reiss D, Thorpe AK, Neukum G. Seasonal variations of polygonal thermal contraction crack patterns in a south polar trough, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1029/2004je002385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. van Gasselt
- Institute for Geosciences; Freie Universitaet Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - D. Reiss
- Institute of Planetary Research; German Aerospace Center; Berlin Germany
| | | | - G. Neukum
- Institute for Geosciences; Freie Universitaet Berlin; Berlin Germany
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Colaprete A, Barnes JR, Haberle RM, Hollingsworth JL, Kieffer HH, Titus TN. Albedo of the south pole on Mars determined by topographic forcing of atmosphere dynamics. Nature 2005; 435:184-8. [PMID: 15889086 DOI: 10.1038/nature03561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2004] [Accepted: 03/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The nature of the martian south polar cap has remained enigmatic since the first spacecraft observations. In particular, the presence of a perennial carbon dioxide ice cap, the formation of a vast area of black 'slab ice' known as the Cryptic region and the asymmetric springtime retreat of the cap have eluded explanation. Here we present observations and climate modelling that indicate the south pole of Mars is characterized by two distinct regional climates that are the result of dynamical forcing by the largest southern impact basins, Argyre and Hellas. The style of surface frost deposition is controlled by these regional climates. In the cold and stormy conditions that exist poleward of 60 degrees S and extend 180 degrees in longitude west from the Mountains of Mitchel (approximately 30 degrees W), surface frost accumulation is dominated by precipitation. In the opposite hemisphere, the polar atmosphere is relatively warm and clear and frost accumulation is dominated by direct vapour deposition. It is the differences in these deposition styles that determine the cap albedo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Colaprete
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Science Division, Moffett Field, Mountain View, California 94035, USA.
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24
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Prettyman TH. Composition and structure of the Martian surface at high southern latitudes from neutron spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1029/2003je002139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Zuber
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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26
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Abstract
The Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) has discovered water ice exposed near the edge of Mars' southern perennial polar cap. The surface H2O ice was first observed by THEMIS as a region that was cooler than expected for dry soil at that latitude during the summer season. Diurnal and seasonal temperature trends derived from Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer observations indicate that there is H2O ice at the surface. Viking observations, and the few other relevant THEMIS observations, indicate that surface H2O ice may be widespread around and under the perennial CO2 cap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy N Titus
- Branch of Astrogeology, U.S. Geological Survey, 2255 North Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA.
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27
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Abstract
In their pioneering work, Leighton and Murray argued that the Mars atmosphere, which at present is 95% carbon dioxide, is controlled by vapor equilibrium with a much larger polar reservoir of solid carbon dioxide. Here we argue that the polar reservoir is small and cannot function as a long-term buffer to the more massive atmosphere. Our work is based on modeling of the circular depressions commonly found on the south polar cap. We argue that a carbon dioxide ice layer about 8 meters thick is being etched away to reveal water ice underneath. This is consistent with thermal infrared data from the Mars Odyssey mission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Byrne
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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MacClune KL. Glaciers of the McMurdo dry valleys: Terrestrial analog for Martian polar sublimation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1029/2002je001878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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29
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Abstract
The detection of geologically recent channels and gullies on Mars has been interpreted as evidence for recent water activity on this arid and cold planet. The presence of active water would have considerable implications for the history of Mars and for the potential for an active near-surface biota; however, water is not the only substance that can flow and may actually be one of the least likely candidates when the modern permafrost environment is considered. Here, a key site of recent gully and channel development on Mars is reported at 71 degrees S in Sisyphi Cavi, within the annual zone of polar CO2 ice and snow accumulation. Superposition of channel features over and/or through the defrosting CO2 snowpack shows that the channels are active at the present day and probably have fluid flows every spring during the annual defrosting. In itself, this is a significant observation as active fluid flows of any nature have not yet been proven on Mars. However, the ambient temperature at the time of gully activity appears to require a role for CO2 in the formation of the channels, rather than water. A model is proposed for gas-lubricated flow in the channels based on avalanching of CO2 snowpack and clastic debris. If similar mechanisms are responsible for all the recent gullies on Mars, then perhaps no near-surface astrobiological targets are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Hoffman
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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Ball P. Mars takes its cap off. Nature 2001. [DOI: 10.1038/news011213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Paige
- Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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