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Stable carbon isotope fractionation in the search for life on early MarsThe utility of measurements of C-13/C-12 ratios in organic vs inorganic deposits for searching for signs of life on early Mars is considered. It is suggested that three assumptions are necessary. First, if there was life on Mars, it caused the fractionation of carbon isotopes in analogy with past biological activity on earth. Second, the fractionation would be detectable. Third, if a fractionation would be observed, there exist no abiotic explanations for the observed fractionation pattern.
Document ID
19890064151
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Rothschild, L. J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Desmarais, D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary Biology and Origins of Life, 20th, 21st, and 23rd, Espoo, Finland, July 18-29, 1988) Advances in Space Research
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
89A51522
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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