Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufm.p44b..04m&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #P44B-04
Mathematics
Logic
[3672] Mineralogy And Petrology / Planetary Mineralogy And Petrology, [5420] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Impact Phenomena, Cratering, [5464] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Remote Sensing, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
The surface of Mars is cold, dry, oxidizing, acidic, and inhospitable to life. Similar conditions may have persisted for billions of years, suggesting that the best place to search for habitable environments is the subsurface. One indication of habitable conditions at depth is the presence of atmospheric methane, which may have formed through hydrothermal processes in the crust. Further evidence for ancient, buried hydrothermal systems comes from the observation of hydrated minerals seemingly excavated by some Martian impact craters. If subsurface hydrothermal activity occurred in the presence of CO2, it could potentially explain the formation of methane on Mars and would suggest the presence of habitable environments protected from harsh surface conditions. Here we show spectroscopic evidence for carbonate- and phyllosilicate-bearing, layered and foliated bedrock exhumed from deep (~6 km) within the Martian crust by meteor impact. The mineral assemblage, textural properties, and the geologic context of the deposit indicate that these rocks are most likely extremely ancient sediments metamorphosed during burial by younger volcanic materials from nearby Syrtis Major. This discovery provides insight into the origin of some other carbonate occurrences on Mars and in Martian meteorites, and reveals a high priority site for future exobiological exploration.
Michalski Joseph R.
Niles Paul B.
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