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@article{Sephton:2010,
author = {Sephton, MA},
journal = {J COSMOLOGY},
pages = {1141--1149},
title = {Organic Geochemistry and the Exploration of Mars},
url = {http://journalofcosmology.com/SearchForLife130.html},
volume = {5},
year = {2010}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - The Red Planet provides a relatively accessible world on which theories of life’s diversity and origin can be tested. Such examinations are imminent with a number of missions to Mars forthcoming. These missions contain several life detection instruments that will sample the surface and subsurface. Organic geochemical knowledge from terrestrial studies can inform our search for organic matter in Mars rocks. Recent data on Mars minerals and atmospheric gases suggest which methods may be most useful to access any organic records present. A mineralogically-diverse Mars provides varying opportunities for the preservation of past and present life. Extinct or extant life will occupy specific size fractions that must be targeted. Studies suggest that methane is most likely derived from the subsurface. Even if abiotic in origin, the combination of reduced gases and oxidised minerals provides opportunities for life. In the near subsurface methane may be polymerised by cosmic radiation to form abiotic organic matter. This paper considers terrestrial approaches that may be useful in a Martian context.
AU - Sephton,MA
EP - 1149
PY - 2010///
SP - 1141
TI - Organic Geochemistry and the Exploration of Mars
T2 - J COSMOLOGY
UR - http://journalofcosmology.com/SearchForLife130.html
VL - 5
ER -