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Nontronite and Montmorillonite as Nutrient Sources for Life on MarsClay minerals have been identified on Mars' oldest (Noachian) terrain and their presence suggests long-term water-rock interactions. The most commonly identified clay minerals on Mars to date are nontronite (Fe-smectite) and montmorillonite (Al-smectite) [1], both of which contain variable amounts of water both adsorbed on their surface and within their structural layers. Over Mars' history, these clay miner-al-water assemblages may have served as nutrient sources for microbial life.
Document ID
20170002223
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Craig, P. I. (Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX, United States)
Mickol, R. L. (Arkansas Univ. Fayetteville, AR, United States)
Archer, P. D. (Jacobs Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Kral, T. A. (Arkansas Univ. Fayetteville, AR, United States)
Date Acquired
March 14, 2017
Publication Date
March 20, 2017
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-39020
Report Number: JSC-CN-39020
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: March 20, 2017
End Date: March 24, 2017
Sponsors: Lunar and Planetary Inst., Universities Space Research Association
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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