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The geology of Australian Mars analogue sites |
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| Authors: | Michael D West Jonathan DA Clarke Matilda Thomas Malcolm R Walter |
| Institution: | a Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia b Mars Institute, NASA Research Park, Moffett Field, CA 94035-0006, USA c Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia d Mars Society Australia, P.O. Box 327, Clifton Hill, VIC 3068, Australia e MED-Soil, Dpto. de Cristalografia, Mineralogia y Quimica Agricola, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 - Sevilla, Spain |
| Abstract: | Australia has numerous landforms and features, some unique, that provide a useful reference for interpreting the results of spacecraft orbiting Mars and exploring the martian surface. Examples of desert landforms, impact structures, relief inversion, long-term landscape evolution and hydrothermal systems that are relevant to Mars are outlined and the relevant literature reviewed. The Mars analogue value of Australia's acid lakes, hypersaline embayments and mound spring complexes is highlighted along with the Pilbara region, where the oldest convincing evidence of life guides exploration for early life on Mars. The distinctive characteristics of the Arkaroola Mars Analogue Region are also assessed and opportunities for future work in Australia are outlined. |
| Keywords: | Australia Mars analogues Relief inversion Springs Acid lakes Deserts Stromatolites Arkaroola Pilbara |
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