Supported by:
Participating institutions:
At this institution 3 projects in astrobiology will be carried out in co-operation with teams in the NASA Astrobiology Institute.
Project 1
Co-operation with NASA Ames Research Center (Dr. Niki Parenteau,
Dr. Linda Jahnke) and Dr. Sherry Cady (Portland State University).
The project examines the production and preservation of microbial
biosignatures in silica-depositing hot springs in Yellowstone National
Park. It specifically focuses on the preservation of organics
(lipid biomarkers) in the microbial mats as they become silicified.
The lipid biomarkes are characterised using both traditional gas
chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and a novel application of
time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The project
will be extended to include acidic silica-depositing hot springs,
iron-depositing hot springs, and acidic clays. Examining the
preservation of microbial biosignatures in these modern analogues is
relevant to the search for evidence of extinct microbial life in
similar deposits on Mars, such as the amorphous silica deposits
(opal-A) at Home Plate in Gusev Crater.
Project 2
Co-operation with Carnegie Institution of Washington (Dr.Andrew Steele).
Study of organics in Martian meteorites using different techniques
including ToF-SIMS as a way to constrain the carbon cycle on Mars.
This include identifying and mapping the organics in relation to
different mineral phases in the meteorites.
Project 3
Co-operation with University of Washington (Dr. Roger Buick). Study
of single oil-bearing fluid inclusions as way constraining early
evolution of life. Oil-bearing fluidinclusions, which are small amount
oil trapped inside a mineral matrix, is studied in search of organic
biomarkers. Organic biomarkers are organic molecules that be used to
study evolution of life in the geological record.
