![]() ![]() Both knowledge of Earth systems, as well as skills inherent to geologists, are used to understand the history of Mars. Mars is both similar to and different from Earth. A top priority for Mars return samples is that they have potential for long-term preservation of biosignatures such as these. Studies of ancient acid saline lake deposits show that these microfossils can be preserved for hundreds of millions of years. These microorganisms and associated organic compounds are trapped in halite and gypsum as they grow in these lakes. For example, acid saline lakes in Western Australian and Chile host diverse and highly unusual microbial communities. Knowledge of extreme environments on Earth that host life provide a foundation for searching for any past life on Mars. Sampling, caching, and returning those martian samples to Earth will allow for them to be analyzed in labs on Earth with instruments and techniques beyond rover capabilities. Mars sample return science includes a search for rocks and sediments with evidence of past habitability and the potential for biosignatures. Therefore, Mars is a good place to test the question about extraterrestrial life. Mars, as a close neighbor of Earth, has a long history of an evolving lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, suggesting that it may also have had a biosphere. Webinar Overview: The question of whether there was ever life outside of Earth has intrigued humankind for hundreds of years. Who should attend: Geologists making decisions to sample in inhospitable and unknown environments––be them on Earth or on Mars. PCPG will circulate a PDH certificate documenting registrant’s participation time, not to exceed 60 minutes, within 72 hours of the conclusion of the webinar. Check your spam filter if you do not see the PCPG 'Action Required' email within 60 seconds of registering, here. ![]() ![]() Your registration is not complete until you click through the unique link in that email directing you to the GoToWebinar web site, enter your name, email address, consent to terms and conditions, and click the Register button. Please read: After registering on our site you'll receive a PCPG confirmation email indicating Action Required in the subject line. Kathleen Counter Benison, Ph.D., Professor of Geology Mars sample return science: Transferring geo-skills from Earth to Mars ![]()
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