Water on Mars and Life

Growing evidence, based on observations from orbiters, landers and telescopes, indicates that Mars may still have numerous hidden water reservoirs. Moreover, from the point of view of habitability, Mars is a prime target for astrobiologists in search of extant or extinct microbial life because we know that life exists in earth's permafrost regions, such as parts of Siberia and the Antarctic, which are the closest terrestrial analogues to Mars. Water on Mars and Life surveys recent advances made in research into water on Mars together with its astrobiological implications. This volume addresses not only scientists working in the field but also nonspecialists and students in search of a high-level but accessible introduction to this exciting field of research.

From the reviews:

"The result is perhaps the best overview of the subject currently available, making the book valuable for libraries supporting researchers in the field." (T. Barker (Wheaton College, MA), Choice April 2005, vol. 42, page 421)

"The essays, most by European scientists, are well written and authoritative . The list of abbreviations at the start of the book is helpful for nonspecialists, as are the large number of references . editor's thoughtful choice of topics leads to a logical flow of ideas from each essay to the next. The result is perhaps the best overview of the subject currently available, making the book valuable . Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." (T. Barker, CHOICE, Vol. 42 (8), April, 2005)

"The book presents a very interesting discussion, based on the data available from Earth or from the early probes and orbiters, of the likely presence of water on Mars. It has been well edited to ensure a sufficient homogeneity in linguistic style and presentation. The book is also well illustrated with color graphs and color photographs. The virtual absence of mathematics makes the book easy to read for any person interested in the most mediatic planet." (Fernande Grandjean, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 28 (1), 2006)

"This book is a series of 13 chapters, all by different authors . There are almost 100 illustrations, maps and diagrams. Some of the authors appear to have been involved with a number of the instruments on the recent missions. The book is timely, for the with the current pace of Mars exploration and the recent arrival of Mars Reconnaissance Observer, keeping up to date with the latest outcomes and interpretations of data is a rising challenge." (Brian Harvey, Astronomy and Space, August, 2006)

Contenu

Part I: History of Water on Mars.- Climate Evolution and the History of Water on Mars.- Hydrated Minerals and Magmatic Water.- Lacustrine Environments.- Early Life on Earth and Analogies to Mars.- Part II: Water on Present Mars and Potential Habitats.- Water Distribution in the Atmosphere and Soil and the Global Water Cycle.- Cold Region Hydrology and its Analogy for Mars.- Life in Ice and Cold Regions and Implications for Mars.- Groundwater.- Groundwater Microbiology and Application to Mars.- Brines, Halophiles and Evaporites in Permafrost.- Hydrothermal System in Impact Craters and Impact Crater Microbiology.- Microbiology in Hydrothermal Systems and Deep Subsurface.