On the possibility of chemosynthetic ecosystems in subsurface habitats on Mars

Details On the possibility of chemosynthetic ecosystems in subsurface habitats on Mars On the possibility of chemosynthetic ecosystems in subsurface habitats on Mars

Feb 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992icar...95..300b&link_type=abstract

Icarus (ISSN 0019-1035), vol. 95, Feb. 1992, p. 300-308.

Biology

92

Ecosystems, Exobiology, Extraterrestrial Life, Mars Surface, Space Habitats, Earth Surface, Microorganisms, Planetary Environments

Scientific paper

Recent discoveries of nonphotosynthetic microbial ecosystems on earth have prompted the present reexamination of the prospects for microbial life on Mars, where well-protected subsurface niches associated with hydrothermal activity could have furnished a refuge after surface conditions became inhospitable. It is noted that extensive geological features attest to widespread ground ice-volcanism interactions. Attention is given to the possibility of anaerobic systems employing CO2 as the primary source of carbon, and liquid water furnished by melted subsurface permafrost. Gases from deep volcanic activity could effect reduction, thereby establishing a chemolithoautotrophic basis for a methanogenic or acetogenic and sulfur-based ecology microbial community.

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