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Detection and Quantification of Nitrogen Compounds in Martian Solid Samples by the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Instrument Suite

The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity Rover detected both reduced and oxidized nitrogen-bearing compounds during the pyrolysis of surface materials from three sites at Gale Crater. Preliminary detections of nitrogen species include NO, HCN, ClCN, CH3CN, and TFMA (trifluoro-Nmethyl-acetamide). On Earth, nitrogen is a crucial bio-element, and nitrogen availability controls productivity in many environments. Nitrogen has also recently been detected in the form of CN in inclusions in the Martian meteorite Tissint, and isotopically heavy nitrogen (delta N-15 approx +100per mille) has been measured during stepped combustion experiments in several SNC meteorites. The detection of nitrogen-bearing compounds in Martian regolith would have important implications for the habitability of ancient Mars. However, confirmation of indigenous Martian nitrogen bearing compounds will require ruling out their formation from the terrestrial derivatization reagents (e.g. N-methyl-N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetamide, MTBSTFA and dimethylformamide, DMF) carried for SAM's wet chemistry experiment that contribute to the SAM background. The nitrogen species we detect in the SAM solid sample analyses can also be produced during laboratory pyrolysis experiments where these reagents are heated in the presence of perchlorate, a compound that has also been identified by SAM in Mars solid samples. However, this does not preclude a Martian origin for some of these compounds, which are present in nanomolar concentrations in SAM evolved gas analyses. Analysis of SAM data and laboratory breadboard tests are underway to determine whether nitrogen species are present at higher concentrations than can be accounted for by maximum estimates of nitrogen contribution from MTBSTFA and DMF. In addition, methods are currently being developed to use GC Column 6, (functionally similar to a commercial Q-Bond column), to separate and identify unretained compounds such as NO, N2O, and NO2, which are difficult to detect by EGA-MS due to mass interferences at 30, 44 and 46, respectively. Here we present evolved gas analysis-mass spectrometry (EGA-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data on the identification and quantification of these nitrogen-bearing compounds, and suggestions for their origins

Stern, Jennifer C.↗

The Sample at Mars Analysis (SAM) Detections of CO2 and CO in Sedimentary Material from Gale Crater, Mars: Implications for the Presence of Organic Carbon and Microbial Habitability on Mars

Sedimentary rock samples heated to 860 C in the SAM instrument evolved CO2 and CO indicating the presence of organic-carbon(C) in Gale Crater materials. Martian or exogenous (meteoritic, interplanetary dust) CO2 and CO could be derived from combustion of simple organics (less than 300 C), complex refractory organics/amorphous carbon (300-600 C), and/or magmatic carbon (greater than 600 C) as result of thermal decomposition of Gale Crater perchlorates, and sulfates present that produce O2. Oxidized organic compounds could also evolve CO2 and CO over broad temperature range (150 to 800 C) and such organics are expected on Mars via exogenous sources. Alternatively, organic-C could also have been oxidized to carboxylic acids [e.g, mellitic acid (RCOOH), acetate (CH3CO2(-)), and oxalates ((2)C2O4(-))] by oxidative radiolytic weathering, or other oxidation processes. The presence of oxidized organics is consistent with the limited detection of reduced organic-C phases by the SAM-gas chromatography. Organic-C content as determined by CO2 and CO contents could range between 800 and 2400 ppm C indicating that substantial organic-C component is present in Gale Crater. There are contributions from SAM background however, even in worse case scenarios, this would only account for as much as half of the detected CO2 and CO. Nevertheless, if organic-C levels were assumed to have existed in a reduced form on ancient Mars and this was bioavailable C, then less than 1% of C in Gale Crater sediments could have supported an exclusively heterotrophic microbial population of 1 x 10(exp 5) cells/g sediment (assumes 9 x 10(exp -7) microgram/cell and 0.5 micrograms C/microgram cell). While other essential nutrients (e.g., S and P) could be limiting, organic-C contents, may have been sufficient to support limited heterotrophic microbial populations on ancient Mars.

Sutter, Brad↗

The Sample at Mars Analysis (SAM) Detections of CO2 and CO in Sedimentary Material from Gale Crater, Mars: Implications for the Presence of Organic Carbon and Microbial Habitability on Mars

Sedimentary rock samples heated to 860 degrees Centigrade in the SAM (Sample at Mars) instrument evolved CO2 and CO indicating the presence of organic-carbon(C) in Gale Crater materials. Martian or exogenous (meteoritic, interplanetary dust) CO2 and CO could be derived from combustion of simple organics (less than 300 degrees Centigrade), complex refractory organics/amorphous carbon (300-600 degrees Centigrade), and/or magmatic carbon (greater than 600 degrees Centigrade) as result of thermal decomposition of Gale Crater perchlorates, and sulfates present that produce O2. Oxidized organic compounds could also evolve CO2 and CO over broad temperature range (150 to 800 degrees Centigrade) and such organics are expected on Mars via exogenous sources. Alternatively, organic-C could also have been oxidized to carboxylic acids [e.g, mellitic acid (RCOOH), acetate (CH3CO2-), and oxalates (C2O42-)] by oxidative radiolytic weathering, or other oxidation processes. The presence of oxidized organics is consistent with the limited detection of reduced organic-C phases by the SAM-gas chromatography. Organic-C content as determined by CO2 and CO contents could range between 800 and 2400 parts per million C indicating that substantial organic-C component is present in Gale Crater. There are contributions from SAM background however, even in worst-case scenarios, this would only account for as much as half of the detected CO2 and CO. Nevertheless, if organic-C levels were assumed to have existed in a reduced form on ancient Mars and this was bioavailable C, then less than 1 percent of C in Gale Crater sediments could have supported an exclusively heterotrophic microbial population of 1 by 10 (sup 5) cells per gram sediment (assumes 9 by 10 (sup -7) microgram per cell and 0.5 micrograms C per microgram cell). While other essential nutrients (e.g., S and P) could be limiting, organic-C contents, may have been sufficient to support limited heterotrophic microbial populations on ancient Mars.

Sutter, Brad↗

Detectability of Magma-Sediment Alteration Mineralogy Via Multi-Instrument Analysis: Implications for Terrestrial Analogs and the Search for Potentially Habitable Environments on Mars

The detection of magmatically driven hydrothermal systems on Mars has met with limited success. Remote sensing efforts have detected limited exposures, though they are usually isolated occurrences, and do not necessarily represent an in-situ alteration sequence. Some of the best evidence for such a system comes from Mars Exploration Rover Spirit’s investigations of Gusev Crater. Diverse alteration minerals were investigated, including possible detections of amorphous silica and montmorillonite. The question remains whether remote sensing/spectroscopy alone is capable of detecting such an alteration front, or if more detailed in-situ analyses are required. In order to constrain this, we have used Mars relevant instrumentation to investigate a terrestrial analog on the Colorado Plateau where a mafic dike intrudes the Jurassic Curtis Sandstone.

J R Crandall↗

Ice in Convective Storm Environments: Assessing Impacts of Microphysics on Simulated Reflectivities

Satellite radar retrievals of clouds and precipitation rely on assumptions about the microphysical properties of hydrometeors such as particle size distributions (PSDs) and massdimensional relationships, which have been shown to vary in distinct environments. A deeper understanding of linkages between mass-dimensional relationships, ice crystal shape, and radar reflectivities across cloud and precipitation regimes is necessary for developing new retrievals for upcoming satellite radar missions, including the INvestigation of Convective UpdraftS (INCUS), as well as future missions that will feature space-borne radars observing clouds, convection, and precipitation. This study investigates ice microphysical characteristics through aircraft in-situ and remote sensing observations from two convective events during the Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) in the Southern Great Plains, and tests implications for ice particle habit in forward modeled radar observations. During MC3E, the Ka/Ku- band High Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP) was onboard the NASA ER-2 aircraft, while in-situ measurements were taken onboard the University of North Dakota Citation. In-situ PSDs and particle shape information from optical array probe data are used to forward model radar reflectivities from particle scattering databases and are compared against HIWRAP reflectivities. Various particle combinations can be used to find agreement with HIWRAP observations, and the forward modeled reflectivities were sensitive to particle type. Varying the riming on the aggregate and graupel particles resulted in larger than 10 dB differences in reflectivities. The in-situ and radar observations imply the occurrence of aggregation, size sorting and lofting particles.

Julia A. Shates↗

Impact-driven mobilization of deep crustal brines on dwarf planet Ceres

Ceres, the only dwarf planet in the inner Solar System, appears to be a relict ocean world. Data collected by NASA's Dawn spacecraft provided evidence that global aqueous alteration within Ceres resulted in a chemically evolved body that remains volatile-rich(1). Recent emplacement of bright deposits sourced from brines attests to Ceres being a persistently geologically active world(2,3), but the surprising longevity of this activity at the 92-km Occator crater has yet to be explained. Here, we use new high-resolution Dawn gravity data to study the subsurface architecture of the region surrounding Occator crater, which hosts extensive young bright carbonate deposits (faculae). Gravity data and thermal modelling imply an extensive deep brine reservoir beneath Occator, which we argue could have been mobilized by the heating and deep fracturing associated with the Occator impact, leading to long-lived extrusion of brines and formation of the faculae. Moreover, we find that pre-existing tectonic cracks may provide pathways for deep brines to migrate within the crust, extending the regions affected by impacts and creating compositional heterogeneity. The long-lived hydrological system resulting from the impact might also occur for large impacts in icy moons, with implications for creation of transient habitable niches over time.High-resolution data of Ceres's bright spots (faculae), obtained by Dawn's second extended mission, suggest the existence of a deep brine-rich reservoir that emerged to the surface through long-lived cryovolcanic activity as a consequence of the impact that created Occator crater.

C. A. Raymond↗

VERITAS: a Discovery-Class Venus Surface Geology and Geophysics Mission

Our understanding of solar system evolution is limited by a great unanswered question: How Earthlike is Venus? We know that these "twin" planets formed with similar bulk composition and size. Yet the evolutionary path Venus followed has diverged from Earth's, in losing its surface water and becoming hotter than Mercury. What led to this? The answer has profound implications for how terrestrial planets become habitable and the potential for life in the universe.

Freeman, Anthony↗

Magma Ocean, Water, and the Early Atmosphere of Venus

The current state and surface conditions of the Earth and its twin planet Venus are drastically different. Whether these differences are directly inherited from the earliest stages of planetary evolution, when the interior was molten, or arose later during the long-term evolution is still unclear. Yet, it is clear that water, its abundance, state, and distribution between the different planetary reservoirs, which are intimately related to the solidification and outgassing of the early magma ocean, are key components regarding past and present-day habitability, planetary evolution, and the different pathways leading to various surface conditions. In this chapter we start by reviewing the outcomes of the accretion sequence, with particular emphasis on the sources and timing of water delivery in light of available constraints, and the initial thermal state of Venus at the end of the main accretion. Then, we detail the processes at play during the early thermo-chemical evolution of molten terrestrial planets, and how they can affect the abundance and distribution of water within the different planetary reservoirs. Namely, we focus on the magma ocean cooling, solidification, and concurrent formation of the outgassed atmosphere. Accounting for the possible range of parameters for early Venus and based on the mechanisms and feedbacks described, we provide an overview of the likely evolutionary pathways leading to diverse surface conditions, from a temperate to a hellish early Venus. The implications of the resulting surface conditions and habitability are discussed in the context of the subsequent long-term interior and atmospheric evolution. Future research directions and observations are proposed to constrain the different scenarios in order to reconcile Venus’ early evolution with its current state, while deciphering which path it followed.

Venus↗

Bioverse: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Capabilities of Extremely Large Telescopes to Probe Earth-like O 2 Levels in Nearby Transiting Habitable-zone Exoplanets

Molecular oxygen is a strong indicator of life on Earth and may indicate biological processes on exoplanets too. Recent studies proposed that Earth-like O 2 levels might be detectable on nearby exoplanets using high-resolution spectrographs on future extremely large telescopes (ELTs). However, these studies did not consider constraints like relative velocities, planet occurrence rates, and target observability. We expanded on past studies by creating a homogeneous catalog of 286,391 main-sequence stars within 120 pc using Gaia DR3 and used the Bioverse framework to simulate the likelihood of finding nearby transiting Earth analogs. We also simulated a survey of M dwarfs within 20 pc accounting for η ⊕ estimates, transit probabilities, relative velocities, and target observability to determine how long ELTs and theoretical 50–100 m ground-based telescopes need to observe to probe for Earth-like O 2 levels with an R = 100,000 spectrograph. This would only be possible within 50 yr for up to ~21% of nearby M-dwarf systems if a suitable transiting habitable-zone Earth analog was discovered, assuming signals from every observable partial transit from each ELT can be combined. If so, Earth-like O 2 levels could be detectable on TRAPPIST-1 d–g within 16–55 yr, respectively, and about half that time with an R = 500,000 spectrograph. These results have important implications for whether ELTs can survey nearby habitable-zone Earth analogs for O 2 via transmission spectroscopy. Our work provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of the ground-based capabilities to search for life beyond the solar system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Lunar resources - Evaluation and development for use in a lunar base program

The implications of lunar crust characteristics for human habitation on the moon are considered. Sources for propellants in the crust are discussed, and the rationale for including mining among base objectives is examined. Present opportunities for extracting lunar crust resources are addressed.

Burke, J. D.↗

Effects of Mars Analogue Dust Deposition on DUV Raman Spectra: Implications for the Mars2020 Perserverance Rover SHERLOC Instrument

The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument suite includes a deep ultraviolet (DUV) Raman and fluorescence instrument on the robotic arm of the Mars2020 (M2020) Perseverance rover [1]. When sufficiently thick dust coatings are present, substrate surfaces are not detected, and mineralogical information not obtained. For example, the effect of palagonitic dust coatings as a function of depth to various substrates on thermal emission, VNIR, and Mössbauer spectra are reported by [2, 3]. In this study, we use the same palagonitic dust to study the effect of dust coating thickness on DUV Raman spectra.

N. C. Haney↗

Pax permanent Martian base: Space architecture for the first human habitation on Mars, volume 5

America at the Threshold: Report of the Synthesis Group on America's Space Exploration Initiative (the 'Synthesis Report,' sometimes called the Stafford Report after its astronaut chair, published in 1991) recommended that NASA explore what it called four 'architectures,' i.e., four different scenarios for habitation on Mars. The Advanced Design Program in Space Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee supported this report and two of its scenarios--'Architecture 1' and 'Architecture 4'--during the spring of 1992. This report investigates the implications of different mission scenarios, the Martian environment, supporting technologies, and especially human factors and environment-behavior considerations for the design of the first permanent Martian base. The report is comprised of sections on mission analysis, implications of the Martian atmosphere and geologic environment, development of habitability design requirements based on environment-behavior and human factors research, and a full design proposed (concept design and design development) for the first permanent Martian base and habitat. The design is presented in terms of a base site plan, master plan based on a Mars direct scenario phased through IOC, and design development details of a complete Martian habitat for 18 crew members including all laboratory, mission control, and crew support spaces.

Huebner-Moths, Janis↗

A Review of International Space Station Habitable Element Equipment Offgassing Characteristics

Crewed spacecraft trace contaminant control employs both passive and active methods to achieve acceptable cabin atmospheric quality. Passive methods include carefully selecting materials of construction, employing clean manufacturing practices, and minimizing systems and payload operational impacts to the cabin environment. Materials selection and manufacturing processes constitute the first level of equipment offgassing control. An element-level equipment offgassing test provides preflight verification that passive controls have been successful. Offgassing test results from multiple International Space Station (ISS) habitable elements and cargo vehicles are summarized and implications for active contamination control equipment design are discussed

Perry, Jay L.↗

Effects of Water on the Density and Elevation of Tesserae on Venus

While the current conditions on Venus are inhospitable, with surface temperatures of ~ 470 °C, pressures of 92 bars, and a CO 2 dominated atmosphere, early Venus may have had a more temperate climate with water on the surface. Water is not only crucial to understanding the habitability potential of Venus, but also has major implications for the tectonic regime and thermal evolution of a planet. Tesserae are believed to be the oldest exposed features on the surface of Venus and may have formed during a period with higher water content. Some of this water might have been preserved as hydrous minerals in the Venusian subsurface. The presence of these minerals has an effect on the density profiles and isostatic behaviour of the tesserae and therefore requires a more detailed investigation. Here we will present results of phase equilibria and isostasy modelling on a range of Tesserae-analogue rock compositions with varying water content and along a range of potential thermal gradients. We compare our results to anhydrous models performed previously under similar thermal regime to constrain the conditions (rock composition, thermal gradient, and water content) needed for tesserae stability.

A R Baker↗

Photon Harvesting and Rocky Planet Biosignatures with 3D Climate Models

On the Earth solar photons are collected, sifted, and harvested by life at a scale that has transformed and defined the planet and continues to do so. That transformation is considered to be a key biosignature to look for in the rocky exoplanet population of our galaxy. However, the availability of photons on planetary surfaces depends on orbital and spin configuration as well as shadowing and scattering by clouds and other atmospheric phenomena. We are using a state-of-the-art 3D climate model (ROCKE-3D, Way et al. 2017) to study rocky planet surface irradiances and the implications for biosignatures and future missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

exoplanets↗

Overview of the Morphology and Chemistry of Diagenetic Features in the Clay-Rich Glen Torridon Unit of Gale Crater, Mars

The clay-rich Glen Torridon region of Gale crater, Mars, was explored between sols 2300 and 3007. Here, we analyzed the diagenetic features observed by Curiosity, including veins, cements, nodules, and nodular bedrock, using the ChemCam, Mastcam, and Mars Hand Lens Imager instruments. We discovered many diagenetic features in Glen Torridon, including dark-toned iron- and manganese-rich veins, magnesium- and fluorine-rich linear features, Ca-sulfate cemented bedrock, manganese-rich nodules, and iron-rich strata. We have characterized the chemistry and morphology of these features, which are most widespread in the higher stratigraphic members in Glen Torridon, and exhibit a wide range of chemistries. These discoveries are strong evidence for multiple generations of fluids from multiple chemical endmembers that likely underwent redox reactions to form some of these features. In a few cases, we may be able to use mineralogy and chemistry to constrain formation conditions of the diagenetic features. For example, the dark-toned veins likely formed in warmer, highly alkaline, and highly reducing conditions, while manganese-rich nodules likely formed in oxidizing and circumneutral conditions. We also hypothesize that an initial enrichment of soluble elements, including fluorine, occurred during hydrothermal alteration early in Gale crater history to account for elemental enrichment in nodules and veins. The presence of redox-active elements, including Fe and Mn, and elements required for life, including P and S, in these fluids is strong evidence for habitability of Gale crater groundwater. Hydrothermal alteration also has interesting implications for prebiotic chemistry during the earliest stages of the crater’s evolution and early Mars.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Geochemical Insights Into Volcanic and Lithospheric Evolution of Mars

Introduction: The Martian lithosphere plays a pivotal role in volcanic processes, altering surface features, climate shifts, and the planet's early habitability. Crucially, the rigid lithosphere significantly influences Mars' long-term thermal conditions. Studying various geological eons’ volcanic compositions unveils how the lithosphere has evolved, even though understanding the early Noachian volcanic chemistry remains challenging due to weathering and resurfacing. In this study, newly discovered Noachian volcanic terranes[1-2] along with Hesperian and Amazonian volcanic terranes[3] are considered(Figure 1), to infer the evolution of the Martian lithosphere. Figure 1:Mars topographic map derived from MOLA-HRSC data [4] highlights the study regions including the Noachian volcanic terranes, Arabia Terra (AT), Thaumasia Minor (TM), and the Southwest Margin of Icaria Planum (SWIP)[5].Additionally, the Hesperian volcanic terranes such as Syrtis Major (SM), Hesperia Planum (HP), and, the Amazonian volcanic terranes encompass Elysium Mons (EM), Alba Patera (AP), and Olympus Mons (OM) are marked. Methods and Datasets: We use the most recent elemental mass fraction maps derived from gamma spectroscopy data from the Mars Odyssey 2001mission [6]to ascertain the bulk composition of the Martian landscape. Utilizing the updated geochemical provinces dataset of Mars[7], we consider bulk chemistry variations within our study regions. The maps, at a resolution of 50×50, encompass elements like Al, Ca, Fe, Si, K, Th, H2O, Cl, and S, detected through Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy (GRS) with decimeter scale depth sensitivity[6].Additional major and minor elements like Mg, Na, Ti, P, and Mn, using mass balance methods [8]serve as inputs for melting and crystallization simulations. We employ the pMELTS model with FMQ-3to FMQ oxygen fugacity to estimate the Pressure(P)and melting degree(F)in various eons of volcanic terranes. We have also used conventional thermobarometric calculations to determine their formation P-T conditions, using silica activity and olivine-melt Mg-exchange thermometry[9-10]. Results: Chemical Composition of Studied Volcanic Terranes: To assess formation conditions, we have investigated if GRS-measured compositions signify primary igneous processes by evaluating weathering through the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), K/Th ratios, and ternary plots for aqueous alteration. Consistent K/Th ratios and low CIA (<50) across volcanic regions suggest minimal large-scale weathering, affirming well-preserved igneous material extending at decimeter depths. In addition, the calculated bulk compositions align with Martian mantle equilibrium, confirming studied volcanic terranes-Arabia Terra, Thaumasia Minor, and SWIP -as primary or less altered compositions, reinforcing their representativeness at a regional GRS scale on Mars. We have also estimated the bulk compositions of Hesperian and Amazonian volcanic terranes shown in Figure 1. All volcanic terranes represent the primary or minimally altered composition. Temporal Evolution of Martian Volcanic Terranes: Our results show P-T conditions ranging from 1.3-1.6 GPa and 1350-1390°C for Noachian terranes, while Hesperian volcanic terranes vary from 1.6-1.7 GPa and 1370-1395°C, and Amazonian volcanic terranes range between 1.9-2.8 GPa and 1380-1415°C. Our analyses correspond to lithospheric thicknesses/ depth of melting for Noachian which ranges from110-135 km, 120-235 km for Hesperian terranes, and 160-235 km for Amazonian terranes. Partial melting percentages (F) range from 8-12% for Noachian, 10-11% for Hesperian, and 10-12% for Amazonian. We have also calculated mantle potential temperatures (Tp) to show variations across epochs(Figure 2). Heat flux estimation shows variations from 51-65 mW/m2 for Noachian, 38-45 mW/m2for Hesperian, and 27-39 mW/m2for Amazonian terranes, implying temporal changes in lithospheric thickness and heat flow. Comparison of Noachian volcanic terranes with Hesperian and Amazonian reveals variations in lithospheric thickness and heat flux, indicating potential implications for Martian surface conditions, including volcanic activity, climate evolution, and early habitability. Figure 2: P-T diagram displays formation conditions of studied Martian volcanic regions using GRS data, alongside Noachian-age surface basalt samples from Gusev, Gale, and Jezero. Dashed lines represent Martian mantle potential temperatures, calculated by adding the latent heat of fusion to the equilibrium temperature at which melt and solid mantle coexist and subtracting the Martian adiabatic gradient corresponding to the depth of melt. The solid line shows the Martian mantle solidus [11].Discussion& Implication: The study explores Martian volcanic activity across eons. Uniform lithospheric thickness from the Noachian to Hesperian eons suggests persistent weak plumes until Hesperian, influencing heat flow variations. Noachian's high heat flux, likely due to concentrated radioactive elements, shows spatial heterogeneity, indicating early Mars' differentiated mantle. Volcanic outgassing plays avital role in the formation of the Martian climate, likely sustained water on the surface, influencing warm-wet or cold-dry conditions. Hesperian's favorable lithospheric heat flow (45 mW/m2) supports extended water existence, resembling Earth's conditions. Whereas, Amazonian's diminished heat flux (25 mW/m2) corresponds to water loss and arid climate. Hesperian's similar lithospheric thickness to mid-Noachian implies prolonged water retention, influencing climate and potential for astrobiological research, expanding perspectives for future Martian missions. Future work: As volcanism was active throughout its history. The emergence of Mars' extensive volcanic regions, known as large igneous provinces, which are linked to intermittent volcanic activity driven by mantle plumes, poses challenges to understanding the scale and persistence of these phenomena in Martian convection models. Therefore, understanding the regional-scale changes in eruptive processes within Martian volcanic provinces over time remains unclear and crucial for deciphering the evolution of the Martian interior without Earth-like plate tectonics. We will continue this work with petrological and thermoelastic analyses to study the compositional and spatiotemporal evolution of the Elysium Volcanic Province.

A Rani↗

A Brief Review of Chaotropic vs. Kosmotropic Salts on the Degree of Saturation of Membrane Fatty Acids: Implications for Preservation of Environmental Biomarkers

Water activity is well known to have a significant impact on habitability, due to the presence of salts. However, salt composition is also important for habitability, as it can impact microbial activity and biomolecular interactions since certain salts are known to disrupt hydrogen bonding. Chaotropic agents disrupt hydrogen bonding in aqueous solutions leading to increased entropy (chaos) whereas kosmotropic agents are compounds that promote hydrogen bonding (order). The Hofmeister series (Fig. 1) shows the ordering of ions in terms of their ability to stabilize and induce precipitation or aggregation of proteins.

M B Wilhelm↗