Tag Archives: hydrated sulfates

Seeking microbial biosignatures for studying Mars rocks

Posted on October 18, 2017 by rburnham

Scientists around Tetyana Milojevic from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Vienna are in search of unique biosignatures, which are left on synthetic extraterrestrial minerals by microbial activity. The biochemist and astrobiologist investigates these signatures at her own … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Possible sulfates in west Melas Chasma

Posted on May 9, 2016 by rburnham

Melas Chasma is the widest segment of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon in the Solar System. In this region, hydrated sulfate salts have been detected, and are found extensively throughout the canyon. These salt-bearing deposits likely indicate that water was … Continue reading →

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Water bound to iron sulfates in Mars soil

Posted on January 5, 2015 by rburnham

An international research team led by Suniti Karunatillake (Louisiana State University) has found a spatial association between the presence of sulfur and hydrogen found in martian soil. The work may in turn identify hydrous iron sulfates as key carriers of … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Sulfates in Tithonium Chasma

Posted on August 25, 2014 by rburnham

Sulfates in Tithonium Chasma. Beautiful Mars series.

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Could Mars gypsum preserve microbes?

Posted on July 24, 2014 by rburnham

Sulfate minerals, such as calcium sulfates (gypsum), are common in areas on Mars, having been documented with data from satellites, landers, and rovers. Could these minerals also preserve the remains of ancient life, ask Kathleen Counter Benison and Francis Karmanocky III … Continue reading →

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CRISM image: Hydrated sulfates in Candor Chasma

Posted on February 21, 2014 by rburnham

Candor Chasma is a deep, elongate, steep-sided depression about 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) in length, forming just one part of of the Valles Marineris canyon system in the equatorial part of Mars’ western hemisphere. If it were located on … Continue reading →

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