Scienze Naturali, Scienze dei Sistemi Naturali,
Evoluzione del comportamento animale e dell’uomo

Webinar di Geologia - Giovedì 11 Febbraio 2021 alle ore 16.00 si terrà il webinar (via webex):

"Salt on Mars: Astrobiological Tombs?"

a cura della Prof.ssa Kathleen Benison (West Virginia University)

LINK webex (attivo 10' prima dell'evento): https://unito.webex.com/unito-en/j.php?MTID=m62a482fe68ce0f2fec9fbe0a4f9773f0

Abstract:

Chemical sediments, including chlorides and sulfates, have been identified on Mars. However, they have not yet been analyzed petrographically. On Earth, halite and gypsum precipitate in modern and ancient acid saline lakes that may be excellent analogs for some martian strata. Analyses by microscopy and laser Raman spectroscopy of terrestrial acid saline lake halite and gypsum show that it preserves microorganisms and organic compounds, especially within primary fluid inclusions. Any salt minerals found by Mars rovers should be returned to Earth for examination for potential biosignatures.