Modelling the surface and subsurface Martian radiation environment: Implications for astrobiology

Details Modelling the surface and subsurface Martian radiation environment: Implications for astrobiology Modelling the surface and subsurface Martian radiation environment: Implications for astrobiology

Jan 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007georl..3402207d&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 34, Issue 2, CiteID L02207

Biology

25

Planetary Sciences: Astrobiology: Planetary Atmospheres, Clouds, And Hazes (0343), Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Interactions With Particles And Fields, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars, Space Weather: Space Radiation Environment

Scientific paper

The damaging effect of ionising radiation on cellular structure is one of the prime limiting factors on the survival of life in potential astrobiological habitats. Here we model the propagation of solar energetic protons and galactic cosmic ray particles through the Martian atmosphere and three different surface scenarios: dry regolith, water ice, and regolith with layered permafrost. Particle energy spectra and absorbed radiation dose are determined for the surface and at regular depths underground, allowing the calculation of microbial survival times. Bacteria or spores held dormant by freezing conditions cannot metabolise and become inactivated by accumulating radiation damage. We find that at 2 m depth, the reach of the ExoMars drill, a population of radioresistant cells would need to have reanimated within the last 450,000 years to still be viable. Recovery of viable cells cryopreserved within the putative Cerberus pack-ice requires a drill depth of at least 7.5 m.

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