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Index
Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
List of Contributors
Foreword
Color Plate 1
Color Plate 2
Chapter 1: Habitability as a Tool in Astrobiological Exploration
Abstract
1.1 Overview
1.2 Introduction
1.3 Defining Habitability
1.4 Exploring the Extremes of Life
1.5 Niche-Based Multivariate Approach to Habitability
1.6 Conclusions
Chapter 2: An Origin of Life on Mars?
Abstract
2.1 Overview
2.2 Introduction
2.3 Liquid Water
2.4 Carbon Chemistry
2.5 Water on Mars
2.6 The Timing of Aquatic Habitats
2.7 Possible Sources of Organic Molecules on Mars
2.8 Where are the Martian Organic Molecules?
2.9 Several Possible Ways to Start Life on Mars
2.10 The Odds for an Origin of Life
2.11 Conclusion
Chapter 3: Remote Detection of Phyllosilicates on Mars and Implications for Climate and Habitability
Abstract
Acknowledgments
3.1 Overview
3.2 Presence of Phyllosilicates and Poorly Crystalline Aluminosilicates on Mars
3.3 Remote Detection of Phyllosilicates and Related Materials at Mars
3.4 Characterization of Phyllosilicates and SRO Materials on Mars
3.5 Discussion of Phyllosilicates and Climate on Mars
3.6 Discussion of Phyllosilicates and Habitability on Mars
3.7 Summary of Phyllosilicates and SRO Materials on Mars
Chapter 4: Martian Habitability as Inferred From Landed Mission Observations
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Summary of Landed Missions
4.3 Needs and Challenges for Habitability and Life
4.4 Indicators of Habitability From Landed Missions
4.5 Outlook for Habitability and Life on Mars
Chapter 5: Archean Lakes as Analogues for Habitable Martian Paleoenvironments
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Archean Lakes
5.3 Fortescue Group Regional Geologic Setting
5.4 Sedimentary Environments
5.5 Biosignature Preservation
5.6 Lessons for Martian Paleolake Exploration
Chapter 6: Evolution of Altiplanic Lakes at the Pleistocene/Holocene Transition: A Window Into Early Mars Declining Habitability, Changing Habitats, and Biosignatures
Abstract
Acknowledgments
6.1 Overview
6.2 Introduction
6.3 Environmental Setting
6.4 Volcanic/Hydrothermal Activity
6.5 Stratigraphic Record
6.6 Geosignatures
6.7 Chemical and Isotopic Signatures
6.8 Changes in Lake Habitat and Biosignatures
6.9 Conclusion
Chapter 7: Siliceous Hot Spring Deposits: Why They Remain Key Astrobiological Targets
Abstract
Acknowledgments
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Hot Spring Deposits as Astrobiology Targets
7.3 Detection of Siliceous Hydrothermal Hot Spring Deposits on Mars
7.4 Mars Hot Spring Deposits at Nili Patera
7.5 Opaline Silica Deposits at Columbia Hills
7.6 The Likelihood of Finding More Hot Spring Deposits on Mars
7.7 Geochemical Considerations
7.8 Competing Hypotheses for the Origin of Silica-Rich Deposits on Mars
7.9 Site Selection Considerations Relevant to the Return to Mars
Chapter 8: Habitability and Biomarker Preservation in the Martian Near-Surface Radiation Environment
Abstract
8.1 Introduction
8.2 The Ionizing Radiation Environment on Mars
8.3 Radiation Effects on Living Cells
8.4 The Maximum Dormancy Limit on Mars
8.5 Conclusions
Appendix A Mathematical Expressions
Chapter 9: UV and Life Adaptation Potential on Early Mars: Lessons From Extreme Terrestrial Analogs
Abstract
Acknowledgments
9.1 Overview
9.2 Background
9.3 A Polyextreme Environment
9.4 Adaptation and Its Limits
9.5 Conclusion
Chapter 10: Are Recurring Slope Lineae Habitable?
Abstract
Acknowledgments
10.1 Overview
10.2 Introduction and Background
10.3 RSL in the Southern Middle Latitudes
10.4 RSL in Equatorial and Northern Middle Latitudes
10.5 Color Observations
10.6 CRISM Detection of Hydrated Salts
10.7 RSL Association With Small Gullies and Slumps
10.8 How Do RSL Form?
10.9 Implications for Habitability
10.10 Should Candidate RSL Be Treated Like Special Regions?
10.11 Future Study of RSL
Chapter 11: The NASA Mars 2020 Rover Mission and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Abstract
Acknowledgments
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Mission Objectives
11.3 Mission Overview and Comparison to MSL
11.4 Science Payload and In Situ Investigations
11.5 Sampling and Caching System
11.6 Extant Life and Planetary Protection
11.7 Landing Site Selection
11.8 Mars 2020 and the Search for Life Beyond Earth
Chapter 12: Searching for Traces of Life With the ExoMars Rover
Abstract
Acknowledgments
12.1 Overview
12.2 What Is ExoMars?
12.3 Possible Life on Mars: When and Where?
12.4 Biosignatures: Which and How Reliable?
12.5 The Need for Subsurface Exploration
12.6 The ExoMars Rover and Its Pasteur Payload
12.7 The Reference Surface Mission
12.8 A Suitable Landing Site
12.9 Conclusions
Chapter 13: Concluding Remarks: Bridging Strategic Knowledge Gaps in the Search for Biosignatures on Mars—A Blueprint
Abstract
Acknowledgment
13.1 Overview: The Current Challenge
13.2 Historic Perspective on Coevolution
13.3 Revisiting the Intellectual Framework: Coevolution as a Guiding Exploration Principle
13.4 Understanding Coevolution in a Polyextreme Environment
13.5 Exploring Coevolution
13.6 Beyond Mars
Index
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