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The State, Potential Distribution, and Biological Implications of Methane in the Martian CrustThe search for life on Mars has recently focused on its potential survival in deep (>2 km) subpermafrost aquifers where anaerobic bacteria, similar to those found in deep subsurface ecosystems on Earth, may have survived in an environment that has remained stable for billions of years. An anticipated by-product of this biological activity is methane. The detection of large deposits of methane gas and hydrate in the Martian cryosphere, or as emissions from deep fracture zones, would provide persuasive evidence of indigenous life and confirm the presence of a valuable in situ resource for use by future human explorers.
Document ID
20000072418
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Max, Michael D.
(Naval Research Lab. Washington, DC United States)
Clifford, Stephen M.
(Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
February 25, 2000
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Volume: 105
Issue: E2
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
LPI-Contrib-990
Paper 1999JE001119
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-AT26-97FT-34344
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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