| Mars relevant high altitude field research in the Andes Mountain, Chile |
| Ákos Kereszturi |
|
Konkoly Observatory
Hungary |
| Cold, dry, windy, reduced pressure plus UV irradiated – and this is not Mars but a harsh location on the Earth. A Mars analogue field expedition was realized at the highest volcano on our planet, called Ojos Del Salado in the Atcama Desert region. The scientific result were published recently in a special issue of the journal Astrobiology, this presentation provides an overview of the findings which are relevant for Mars. The interaction between limited snow events and wind results in snow patches buried under a dry soil surface, leading to ephemeral water streams that flow only during daytime. Using the highest located subsurface temperature monitoring systems here on the Earth, recorded seasonal melting of the permafrost followed by fast percolation events. Both thermal springs and lakes turned to provide habitats for life even at 6480 m above sea level with a number of different microbial species, including psychrophiles. In spite of the extreme conditions this site is easily accessible, as will be presented in this seminar. |