Methane on Mars and Habitability: Challenges and Responses

Astrobiology
Yuk L YungJohn Worden

Abstract

Recent measurements of methane (CH4) by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) now confront us with robust data that demand interpretation. Thus far, the MSL data have revealed a baseline level of CH4 (∼0.4 parts per billion by volume [ppbv]), with seasonal variations, as well as greatly enhanced spikes of CH4 with peak abundances of ∼7 ppbv. What do these CH4 revelations with drastically different abundances and temporal signatures represent in terms of interior geochemical processes, or is martian CH4 a biosignature? Discerning how CH4 generation occurs on Mars may shed light on the potential habitability of Mars. There is no evidence of life on the surface of Mars today, but microbes might reside beneath the surface. In this case, the carbon flux represented by CH4 would serve as a link between a putative subterranean biosphere on Mars and what we can measure above the surface. Alternatively, CH4 records modern geochemical activity. Here we ask the fundamental question: how active is Mars, geochemically and/or biologically? In this article, we examine geological, geochemical, and biogeochemical processes related to our overarching question. The martian atmosphere and surface are an overwhelmingly oxidizing environment, and life r...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 12, 2019·Astrobiology·Jean-Pierre de VeraLaura Zucconi
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Apr 12, 2019·Nature·Oleg KorablevUNKNOWN ACS and NOMAD Science Teams

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
Nuclear magnetic resonance
X-ray

Software Mentioned

ExoMars
TGO
ExoMars TGO
Atmospheric Chemistry Suite ( ACS
MGCMs
MCS
NOMAD
ACS

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