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Updated: May 26, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
An extensive phase space for the potential martian biosphere
Eriita G Jones1, Charles H Lineweaver, Jonathan D Clarke
1Planetary Sciences Institute, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. eriita@mso.anu.edu.au
Astrobiology
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Mars may harbor a deep biosphere habitable for Earth life. Its potential habitable volume could be 7 times deeper than Earth's, reaching depths of ~310 km.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Science
- Geophysics
Background:
- Understanding the potential for life on Mars requires analyzing its pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions.
- Earth's deep biosphere provides a model for potential subsurface life on other planets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the pressure-temperature (P-T) phase space of Mars.
- To compare Mars' P-T phase space with Earth's.
- To estimate the extent of habitable water on Mars for terrestrial life.
Main Methods:
- Developed a comprehensive P-T phase space model for Mars.
- Compared Martian P-T conditions with those supporting terrestrial life.
- Calculated potential depths and volumes of habitable subsurface environments on Mars.
Main Results:
- Martian P-T conditions compatible with liquid water extend to approximately 310 km depth.
- Significant overlap exists between habitable terrestrial P-T phase space and Martian P-T phase space.
- A potential Martian hot deep biosphere could extend 7 times deeper than Earth's.
Conclusions:
- Mars possesses extensive regions with P-T conditions suitable for terrestrial life.
- Approximately 3.2% of Mars' volume could be habitable for terrestrial-like life.
- The deeper potential habitable zone on Mars warrants further investigation for astrobiological potential.
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