There is a new review on the use of lava tubes on earth as models for caves on Mars in the journal Planetary and Space Science: <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V6T-4WJ3DVR-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=b51d9c3009f25d684e9ecfb3b82d6b18>
Mark Minton
Lava tubes and basaltic caves as astrobiological targets on Earth and Mars: A review
Richard J. Léveillé and Saugata Datta
Abstract Lava tubes and basaltic caves are common features in volcanic terrains on Earth. Lava tubes and cave-like features have also been identified on Mars based on orbital imagery and remote-sensing data. Caves are unique environments where both secondary mineral precipitation and microbial growth are enhanced by stable physico-chemical conditions. Thus, they represent excellent locations where traces of microbial life, or biosignatures, are formed and preserved in minerals. By analogy with terrestrial caves, caves on Mars may contain a record of secondary mineralization that would inform us on past aqueous activity. They may also represent the best locations to search for biosignatures. The study of caves on Earth can be used to test hypotheses and better understand biogeochemical processes, and the signatures that these processes leave in mineral deposits. Caves may also serve as test beds for the development of exploration strategies and novel technologies for future missions to Mars. Here we review recent evidence for the presence of caves or lava tubes on Mars, as well as the geomicrobiology of lava tubes and basaltic caves on Earth. We also propose future lines of investigation, including exploration strategies and relevant technologies. |
- RE: [Texascavers] RE: Texas Considering Closing Caves for W... George Veni
- [Texascavers] RE: WNS and ICS Jim Kennedy
- [Texascavers] RE: [NMCAVER] WNS and ICS George Veni
- [Texascavers] RE: [NMCAVER] WNS and ICS George Veni
- [Texascavers] RE: WNS and ICS Minton, Mark
- [Texascavers] New NSS WNS Web Page Minton, Mark
- [Texascavers] PA Orders all Rescued Bats to be Destroyed Minton, Mark
- [Texascavers] Bats Recognize Each Others' Voices Minton, Mark
- [Texascavers] White Nose Syndrome Fungus Named Minton, Mark
- [Texascavers] More on WNS Minton, Mark
- [Texascavers] Caves on Mars Minton, Mark
- [NMCAVER] ***SPAM*** Bats and WNS on Fox News Minton, Mark
- [NMCAVER] ***SPAM*** Bats' Fountain of Youth Minton, Mark
- Re: [Texascavers] Bats' Fountain of Youth Nico Escamilla
- Re: [Texascavers] Bats' Fountain of Youth Don Cooper
- Fwd: [Texascavers] Bats' Fountain of Youth Diana Tomchick
- [Texascavers] Robo-Bats Minton, Mark
- [NMCAVER] ***SPAM*** Latest WNS Info Minton, Mark
- Re: [Texascavers] Latest WNS Info Ed Alexander
- [Texascavers] Extraordinary Bat Nose Minton, Mark