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Microbial colonization in impact-generated hydrothermal sulphate deposits, Haughton impact structure, and implications for sulphates on Mars

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 September 2004

J. Parnell ,
P. Lee ,
C.S. Cockell  and
G.R. Osinski
J. Parnell
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK e-mail: J.Parnell@abdn.ac.uk
P. Lee
Affiliation:
Mars Institute, SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000, USA
C.S. Cockell
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
G.R. Osinski
Affiliation:
Department of Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0077, USA
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Abstract

Hydrothermal gypsum deposits in the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canada, contain microbial communities in an endolithic habitat within individual gypsum crystals. Cyanobacterial colonies occur as masses along cleavage planes, up to 5 cm from crystal margins. The crystals are transparent, so allow transmission of light for photosynthesis, while affording protection from dehydration and wind. The colonies appear to have modified their mineral host to provide additional space as they expanded. The colonies are black due to UV-screening pigments. The relative ease with which microbial colonization may be detected and identified in impact-generated sulphate deposits at Haughton suggests that analogous settings on other planets might merit future searches for biosignatures. The proven occurrence of sulphates on the Martian surface suggests that sulphate minerals should be a priority target in the search for life on Mars.

Keywords

cyanobacteriaendolithsgypsumHaughton impact structureimpact craterslife on Marssulphates
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 3 , Issue 3 , July 2004 , pp. 247 - 256
Copyright
2004 Cambridge University Press

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