| 1. |
- Ai, Jiayi, et al.
(author)
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Co-existing two distinct formation mechanisms of micro-scale ooid-like manganese carbonates hosted in Cryogenian organic-rich black shales in South China
- 2023
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In: Precambrian Research. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 0301-9268 .- 1872-7433. ; 393
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Manganese-rich deposits in the lower member of the Datangpo Formation (DTP) (ca. 663–654 Ma) in South China formed in the aftermath of the Cryogenian Sturtian glaciation. The Mn in the DTP occurs dominantly as rhodochrosite and Ca-rhodochrosite. A hydrothermal origin of the Mn2+ is shown by the rare earth element distribution and significantly high Mn/Fe ratios (3–19, average = 10.1). Previous studies suggested a microbially-mediated process for controlling the DTP black-shale hosted Mn carbonate deposits. However, detailed reports on the formation mechanisms of micro-scale (<2–5 μm) ooid-like Mn carbonates in the DTP have rarely been published. Systematic petrography and geochemical analyses in this study demonstrate the coexistence of two types of micro-scale ooidal-like Mn carbonates formed through two distinct mechanisms, either dominated by microbially-mediated or physiochemically-forced pathways. The Type I Mn carbonate has relatively larger grain size of 2–5 μm and exhibits a radial-concentric microfabric that shows signs of growth banding in the form of alternating light and dark laminae, which mainly express variation in Ca and Mn concentrations. The initial precipitation phase of the Type I Mn carbonate is interpreted to be Mn oxide/hydroxide, based on positive Ce anomalies and selective enrichments of particular trace elements. Novel evidence indicates that the capture of Mn as a carbonate phase directly from the water column by primarily precipitated calcite, which is referred to as the Type II Mn carbonate, has also contributed to the DTP Mn-rich deposits. Multiple roles of organic matter in Mn carbonate formation have been established: (1) catalysed Mn-redox cycling; (2) trapping and transportation of initial mineral precipitates to sediments; (3) serving as a carbon source; (4) regulating the morphology of the Mn carbonate. As a key link for understanding Cryogenian carbon and Mn cycling, specific formation pathways for the DTP Mn-carbonates are likely to have been controlled by given atmospheric-oceanic compositions (including oxygen level, pCO2, and redox conditions) in response to major geological and biological events during the interglacial period. In turn, massive storage of inorganic carbon and phosphorous in Mn carbonate phases would have had a substantial influence on biogeochemical carbon cycling during the Cryogenian.
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| 2. |
- Alberini, Andrew, et al.
(author)
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Investigating the stability of aromatic carboxylic acids in hydrated magnesium sulfate under UV irradiation to assist detection of organics on Mars
- 2024
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Research. - 2045-2322. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover detected so far some of the most intense fluorescence signals in association with sulfates analyzing abraded patches of rocks at Jezero crater, Mars. To assess the plausibility of an organic origin of these signals, it is key to understand if organics can survive exposure to ambient Martian UV after exposure by the Perseverance abrasion tool and prior to analysis by SHERLOC. In this work, we investigated the stability of organo-sulfate assemblages under Martian-like UV irradiation and we observed that the spectroscopic features of phthalic and mellitic acid embedded into hydrated magnesium sulfate do not change for UV exposures corresponding to at least 48 Martian sols and, thus, should still be detectable in fluorescence when the SHERLOC analysis takes place, thanks to the photoprotective properties of magnesium sulfate. In addition, different photoproduct bands diagnostic of the parent carboxylic acid molecules could be observed. The photoprotective behavior of hydrated magnesium sulfate corroborates the hypothesis that sulfates might have played a key role in the preservation of organics on Mars, and that the fluorescence signals detected by SHERLOC in association with sulfates could potentially arise from organic compounds.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Benison, K. C., et al.
(author)
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Depositional and Diagenetic Sulfates of Hogwallow Flats and Yori Pass, Jezero Crater : Evaluating Preservation Potential of Environmental Indicators and Possible Biosignatures From Past Martian Surface Waters and Groundwaters
- 2024
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In: Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 2169-9097 .- 2169-9100. ; 129:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has examined and sampled sulfate-rich clastic rocks from the Hogwallow Flats member at Hawksbill Gap and the Yori Pass member at Cape Nukshak. Both strata are located on the Jezero crater western fan front, are lithologically and stratigraphically similar, and have been assigned to the Shenandoah formation. In situ analyses demonstrate that these are fine-grained sandstones composed of phyllosilicates, hematite, Ca-sulfates, Fe-Mg-sulfates, ferric sulfates, and possibly chloride salts. Sulfate minerals are found both as depositional grains and diagenetic features, including intergranular cement and vein- and vug-cements. Here, we describe the possibility of various sulfate phases to preserve potential biosignatures and the record of paleoenvironmental conditions in fluid and solid inclusions, based on findings from analog sulfate-rich rocks on Earth. The samples collected from these outcrops, Hazeltop and Bearwallow from Hogwallow Flats, and Kukaklek from Yori Pass, should be examined for such potential biosignatures and environmental indicators upon return to Earth.
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| 5. |
- Corpolongo, A., et al.
(author)
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SHERLOC Raman Mineral Class Detections of the Mars 2020 Crater Floor Campaign
- 2023
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In: Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 2169-9097 .- 2169-9100. ; 128:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The goals of NASA's Mars 2020 mission include searching for evidence of ancient life on Mars, studying the geology of Jezero crater, understanding Mars' current and past climate, and preparing for human exploration of Mars. During the mission's first science campaign, the Perseverance rover's SHERLOC deep UV Raman and fluorescence instrument collected microscale, two-dimensional Raman and fluorescence images on 10 natural (unabraded) and abraded targets on two different Jezero crater floor units: Séítah and Máaz. We report SHERLOC Raman measurements collected during the Crater Floor Campaign and discuss their implications regarding the origin and history of Séítah and Máaz. The data support the conclusion that Séítah and Máaz are mineralogically distinct igneous units with complex aqueous alteration histories and suggest that the Jezero crater floor once hosted an environment capable of supporting microbial life and preserving evidence of that life, if it existed.
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| 6. |
- de Vera, Jean Paul, et al.
(author)
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EUROX (Europa Explorer): An astrobiology mission concept to the Jovian icy moon Europa.
- 2008
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In: Geophysical Research Abstracts. ; 10, EGU2008-A-01483, 2008
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The discovery of so-called extremophiles indicates how robust life is. That microbial life can resist extreme and harsh environmental conditions as e.g. very high and cold temperatures, desiccation, acidity, salinity and wide ranges of radiation spectra including UV and X-rays, suggests that micro organisms are capable of surviving and maintaining essential living functions, or often thriving, in conditions previously thought impossible. Recently it seems that only liquid water and an energy source are the core prerequisites for the development of life, greatly expanding the range of potential habitats for life both on Earth and in the solar system. In light of these discoveries, the definition of the “Habitable Zone” as the region where liquid water can exist at a planetary surface may need revision. Energy in the form of heat may be found on several volcanic worlds in our solar system, and subsurface liquid water may exist there, too. One likely candidate for such a reserve of water is the jovian icy moon Europa. Imaged by the Voyager and Galileo probes, this icy body appears to have a geologically young outer surface. Spectroscopic studies from Earth have confirmed that the European crust is composed of water ice. Long cracks across its surface may be suggestive of huge ice blocks rafting upon an underlying liquid layer. Darker non ice material also covers much of the surface and is spatially associated with the cracks. Recent modeling suggests that tidal forces imparted upon the moon by Jupiter may cause heating in the depth – raising the possibility of a liquid water ocean beneath Europa’s icy crust. Further on it is supposed that a weak induced magnetic field is present on the moon. This classifies Europa as an object of great scientific interest, warranting investigation for habitability and even the presence of life within the supposed ocean of the moon. The Europa Explorer (EUROX) mission complements other proposed missions to study Europa. EUROX will characterize the habitability potential of Europa, with the aim of understanding whether life could exist there or not. The mission will address the following key questions: (i) existence or non- existence of a liquid ocean beneath the surface, (ii) the nature of the non icy material visible upon the surface cracks, (iii) the physical characteristics of the ice crust, (iv) effects by local radiation on the surface chemistry, (v) the depth of radiation penetration in the ice and probably shielding effects by a magnetic field and (vi) the presence of organic compounds on or in the Europan ice crust. Our proposed mission will operate as a fully European and further on international mission, with the aim of providing the initial information required for later, larger missions to visit Europa. EUROX will involve both remote-sensing and in-situ research. Its mission architecture sees a single space craft deployed to Europa, launched by an Ariane 5. This vehicle will use conventional propulsion and a Venus-Earth-Earth flight path to travel to the jovian system in six years. Upon arrival at Europa, the space craft will commence remote observations of the icy moon, to determine the physical nature of the ice crust, and to investigate the presence of a subsurface liquid ocean. The orbiter will carry two independent vehicles (two penetrators) that will then separate, de-orbit, and penetrate the crust nearby or in the cracks to a depth of several meters. A suite of compact instruments will address the physical and chemical properties of the crust, as well as seeking organic compounds and pre-biotic material in the ice. The use of a laser communication system removes the need for a relay spacecraft in orbit around Jupiter, decreasing overall mission cost. Expected orbiter mission duration is on the order of two months, with each penetrator functioning for approximately 24 hours.
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| 7. |
- Drake, Henrik, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Anaerobic consortia of fungi and sulfate reducing bacteria in deep granite fractures
- 2017
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 8:55, s. 1-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The deep biosphere is one of the least understood ecosystems on Earth. Although most microbiological studies in this system have focused on prokaryotes and neglected microeukaryotes, recent discoveries have revealed existence of fossil and active fungi in marine sediments and sub-seafloor basalts, with proposed importance for the subsurface energy cycle. However, studies of fungi in deep continental crystalline rocks are surprisingly few. Consequently, the characteristics and processes of fungi and fungus-prokaryote interactions in this vast environment remain enigmatic. Here we report the first findings of partly organically preserved and partly mineralized fungi at great depth in fractured crystalline rock (-740 m). Based on environmental parameters and mineralogy the fungi are interpreted as anaerobic. Synchrotron-based techniques and stable isotope microanalysis confirm a coupling between the fungi and sulfate reducing bacteria. The cryptoendolithic fungi have significantly weathered neighboring zeolite crystals and thus have implications for storage of toxic wastes using zeolite barriers.
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| 8. |
- Drake, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Extreme C-13 depletion of carbonates formed during oxidation of biogenic methane in fractured granite
- 2015
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Precipitation of exceptionally C-13-depleted authigenic carbonate is a result of, and thus a tracer for, sulphate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation, particularly in marine sediments. Although these carbonates typically are less depleted in C-13 than in the source methane, because of incorporation of C also from other sources, they are far more depleted in C-13 (delta C-13 as light as - 69% V-PDB) than in carbonates formed where no methane is involved. Here we show that oxidation of biogenic methane in carbon-poor deep groundwater in fractured granitoid rocks has resulted in fracture-wall precipitation of the most extremely C-13-depleted carbonates ever reported, delta C-13 down to - 125% V-PDB. A microbial consortium of sulphate reducers and methane oxidizers has been involved, as revealed by biomarker signatures in the carbonates and S-isotope compositions of co-genetic sulphide. Methane formed at shallow depths has been oxidized at several hundred metres depth at the transition to a deep-seated sulphate-rich saline water. This process is so far an unrecognized terrestrial sink of methane.
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| 9. |
- Drake, Henrik, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Timing and origin of natural gas accumulation in the Siljan impact structure, Sweden
- 2019
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In: Nature Communications. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2041-1723. ; 10:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fractured rocks of impact craters may be suitable hosts for deep microbial communities on Earth and potentially other terrestrial planets, yet direct evidence remains elusive. Here, we present a study of the largest crater of Europe, the Devonian Siljan structure, showing that impact structures can be important unexplored hosts for long-term deep microbial activity. Secondary carbonate minerals dated to 80 ± 5 to 22 ± 3 million years, and thus postdating the impact by more than 300 million years, have isotopic signatures revealing both microbial methanogenesis and anaerobic oxidation of methane in the bedrock. Hydrocarbons mobilized from matured shale source rocks were utilized by subsurface microorganisms, leading to accumulation of microbial methane mixed with a thermogenic and possibly a minor abiotic gas fraction beneath a sedimentary cap rock at the crater rim. These new insights into crater hosted gas accumulation and microbial activity have implications for understanding the astrobiological consequences of impacts. © 2019, The Author(s).
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| 10. |
- Fornaro, Teresa, et al.
(author)
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UV irradiation of biomarkers adsorbed on minerals under Martian-like conditions : Hints for life detection on Mars
- 2018
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In: Icarus. - : Elsevier BV. - 0019-1035 .- 1090-2643. ; 313, s. 38-60
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Laboratory simulations of Martian conditions are essential to develop quantitative models for the survival of organic biomarkers for future Mars exploration missions. In this work, we report the results of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation processing of biomarkers adsorbed on minerals under Martian-like conditions. Specifically, we prepared Mars soil analogues by doping forsterite, lizardite, antigorite, labradorite, natrolite, apatite and hematite minerals with organic compounds considered as potential biomarkers of extant terrestrial life such as the nucleotides adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and uridine monophosphate (UMP). We characterized such Mars soil analogues by means of Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and Confocal Raman Imaging Spectroscopy (CRIS), in order to get insights into the specific molecule-mineral interactions and explore the capabilities of different techniques to reveal diagnostic features of these biomarkers. Then, we performed irradiation experiments in the mid-UV spectral region under simulated Martian conditions and under terrestrial ambient conditions for comparison, monitoring the degradation process through DRIFTS. We observed that degradation under Martian-like conditions occurs much slower than in terrestrial ambient conditions. The minerals labradorite and natrolite mainly promote photodegradation of nucleotides, hematite and forsterite exhibit an intermediate degrading effect, while apatite, lizardite and antigorite do not show any significant catalytic effect on the degradation of the target organic species.
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