See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Sulfates in the Solar System
Abstract:
We will compare several different evaporite basins and discuss the relation of calcium sulfate, specifically gypsum, and its integral relation with salts. All evaporite bodies on Earth contain microbes even though their mineralized form is not always evident. Microbes have also been identified in halite water inclusions and in some cases the microbes appear to have been present for millions of years.
The existence of water on Mars would be critical for the support of microbes. The NASA Phoenix mission is presently investigating the existence of water in the form of ice at the martian north pole.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Sulfates in the Solar System