TOF-SIMS analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Allan Hills 84001

Details TOF-SIMS analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Allan Hills 84001 TOF-SIMS analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Allan Hills 84001

Jan 2003

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003m%26ps...38..109s&link_type=abstract

Meteoritics & Planetary Science, vol. 38, no. 1, p.109-116

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10

Scientific paper

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001 (ALH 84001) was considered to be a major sign of ancient biogenic activity on planet Mars (McKay et al. 1996). An asserted spatial association of PAHs with carbonates, carriers of so- called nanofossils, was crucial for their suggested connection to early life forms. Although both observations can be explained individually without employing living organisms, a lateral correlation of PAHs and carbonates would suggest a genetic link between PAHs and the microstructures, favoring a biogenic explanation. On the other hand, without such a correlation, a biogenic or even a Martian origin of the PAHs cannot be inferred. Here we show that there is no correlation of PAHs and carbonates in ALH 84001. Furthermore, a general trend of high PAH concentrations at locations where terrestrial lead is present obviously suggests a terrestrial origin for PAHs in ALH 84001.

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