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Differential transmission of sunlight on Mars - Biological implicationsA euphotic zone seems to exist at about 1 cm subsurface in the Martian epilith. At this depth, visible light is still intense enough to be utilized by conceivable photosynthetic organisms; but the germicidal ultraviolet intensities at the Martian surface have been reduced to values manageable by terrestrial life. Such euphotic zone organisms would experience moderately high Martian temperatures at equatorial latitudes and can be dispersed readily during global dust storms. During such storms the Martian euphotic zone may reach the surface. The aerosol content of the Martian atmosphere can be monitored by multiband single-line scans of the sun at large zenith angles by the Viking lander camera; and the postulated euphotic zone organisms can be searched for with the Viking lander sample arm and biology experiments.
Document ID
19740049595
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Sagan, C.
(Cornell University Ithaca, N.Y., United States)
Pollack, J. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Theoretical Div., Mountain View, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1974
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 21
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
74A32345
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-9683
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-33-010-101
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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