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Wind-Driven Saltation: An Overlooked Challenge for Life on Mars
E N Bak1, M G Larsen1, S K Jensen2
11 Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University , Aarhus, Denmark .
Astrobiology
|November 9, 2018
Summary
Wind-driven saltation on Mars can destroy hardy bacterial spores within a minute through abrasion. This physical process poses a significant hazard to potential Martian life and protects against Earth contamination.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Martian surface is hostile due to radiation and reactive regolith.
- Physical processes like saltation have not been fully assessed as life hazards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of simulated Martian saltation on bacterial endospores.
- To assess saltation as a factor in Martian surface habitability and contamination.
Main Methods:
- Exposing highly resistant bacterial endospores (Bacillus subtilis) to a simulated saltating Martian environment.
- Analyzing spore damage using scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- 50% of bacterial spores were destroyed by saltation-mediated abrasion in under one minute.
- Spores were not only damaged but eradicated by the saltation process.
Conclusions:
- Saltation-mediated abrasion is a significant life hazard on the Martian surface.
- This process may prevent forward contamination of Mars and challenge extant or extinct Martian life.
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