The geology of Australian Mars analogue sites
Date
2010
Authors
West, Michael
Clarke, Jonathan D.A.
Thomas, Matilda
Pain, Colin F
Walter, Malcolm R.
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Elsevier
Abstract
Australia has numerous landforms and features, some unique, that provide a useful reference for interpreting the results of spacecraft orbiting Mars and exploring the martian surface. Examples of desert landforms, impact structures, relief inversion, long-term landscape evolution and hydrothermal systems that are relevant to Mars are outlined and the relevant literature reviewed. The Mars analogue value of Australia's acid lakes, hypersaline embayments and mound spring complexes is highlighted along with the Pilbara region, where the oldest convincing evidence of life guides exploration for early life on Mars. The distinctive characteristics of the Arkaroola Mars Analogue Region are also assessed and opportunities for future work in Australia are outlined.
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Keywords
Keywords: Australia; Deserts; Early life; Hydrothermal system; Hypersaline; Impact structures; Landscape evolutions; Martian surface; Pilbara; Acids; Arid regions; Geomorphology; Lakes; Landforms Acid lakes; Arkaroola; Australia; Deserts; Mars analogues; Pilbara; Relief inversion; Springs; Stromatolites
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Source
Planetary and Space Science
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2037-12-31
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