Planning for the Scientific Exploration of Mars by Humans By the mepag human Exploration of Mars Science Analysis Group (hem-sag)
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appendicesAppendix A. Candidate Mars Human Exploration Sites: MEPAG Goal III: Determine the Evolution of the Surface and InteriorCompiled by HEM-SAG with specific site suggestions and contributions by Jim Head, James Dickson, Caleb Fassett, Joseph Levy, Jim Rice, Francois Poulet, Jeff Moersch, Jen Heldmann, Charles Cockell, Peter Doran, Ralph Milliken and Rick Elphic. Initial biology prioritization also included: (Score: 1- 5. EL = Extinct Life, PL = Present life. WG = biologist’s ‘wild guess’). See map for locations, separate entries at each site description for GRS/NS data on hydrogen/water content. **RM** is one of three Reference mission sites (red dots on map). All sites would include full complement of geophysical instrumentation (active and passive seismometers, magnetometers, heat flow probes, etc.) and the selection of sites should consider how the selection would contribute to the most effective seismic networks, obtaining heat flow measurements from different terrains and terrains of different ages, and be sure to sample the full range of known magnetic anomalies. Most sites contain the average Water Equivalent Hydrogen (WEH) in weight %, courtesy of Rick Elphic. Three reference mission sites provide seismic profile from edge to middle of Tharsis (38 and 34) and opposite sides of the globe for deep seismic structure (38/34 and 1). Primary goal maps and suggested traverses are provided for the three reference mission sites and a detailed exploration scenario is provided as an example for the Mangala site (38). 1. Impact Crater Near Nili Fossae: (18.4°N, 77.7°E) (WEH wt% = 4.02) Valley networks forming deltas and water-filled impact crater near edge of Isidis Basin. Valley networks, layered sediments, ancient crater walls, Isidis basin deposits, volcano or basin peak ring structure near crater rim, mineralogical alteration revealed by OMEGA and CRISM (phyllosilicates, olivine). EL 5 (valley network means water - and ancient crater might have ponded water). PL1 (unless there is geological activity there now, this looks like a place most promising for past life). **RM** 2. Newton Crater gully sites: (40.5°S, 157.9°W) (WEH wt% = 4.03) Potentially ice-rich lineated valley fill on crater floor, gullies, crater stratigraphy. Highest concentration of gullies in one region anywhere on Mars. EL4 (crater hydrothermal systems?). Crater might have hosted life in hydrothermal system. PL5 gullies might be sites of present-day water seeps and therefore extant life. 3. Meridiani Region: (2.0°S, 5.5°W) (WEH wt% = 7.67) MER site to investigate context and the nature of early water-rich deposits. Easily traversable terrain would enhance regional study. Mineralogically unique region of the planet. EL5 early sediments/water suggest site of high priority for early life. PL1 Now dry and geologically inactive – not so likely to harbour present-day life 4. Gusev Crater-Columbia Hills: (14.6°S, 175.4°E) (WEH wt% = 8.42) Complex stratigraphy and explosive volcanic deposits in Columbia Hills, at the MER Gusev site. Lies on the crustal dichotomy, with fluvial input from the southern highlands and volcanic deposits related to Hr (Hesperian ridged plains). EL3 crater may have hosted hydrothermal systems/ponded water for early life, although it is a large crater and the site would have to be selected carefully. PL1 Doesn’t look very geologically active for present-day life. 5. Chasma Boreale: (82.6°N, 47.3°W) (WEH wt% = 41.45) North polar layered deposits and pre-PLD basal unit. Assessment of polar stratigraphy and relations to pre-polar deposits; orgin of Chasma Boreale and relationship to the northern extent of Vastitas Borealis. EL5 – If chasma was formed by water flood may be site of potential habitability early on and site of sustained water. Ice cap may have provided water. PL4 Near water ice (polar cap). Changes in obliquity may have created regions suitable for life even in recent times with oases sustained today? 6. South polar layered deposits and the Dorsa Argentea Formation: (71.8°S, 67.3°W) (WEH wt% = 35.71) Polar stratigraphy, comparison to MARSIS radar data showing ice-like layering, exploration of Hesperian DAF and possible ancient ice record. Close proximity to Amazonian ice flow features along the margins of the present day polar cap. EL5 – ancient terrains may have hosted water during the Noachian. PL4 Site of ancient permafrost – possible preservation/habitats of recent life? 7. Gale Crater: (5.1°S, 137.5°E) (WEH wt% = 6.48) Ancient crust, valley networks, central mound of volatiles. Stratigraphic analyses of crater wall material as well as sedimentary layers within the central mound, possibly of fluvial origin. EL4 Crater may have hosted hydrothermal systems/ponded water for life, particularly given evidence for volatiles. PL1 If it’s not geologically active now it’s unlikely to be a site for present life. 8. Floor of Valles Marineris: (7.0°S, 72.7W) (WEH wt% = 4.49) Interior layered deposits, stratigraphy and mineralogy; VM wall talus and stratigraphy. Examination of regional connection to circum-Chryse outflow channels. EL3 May have layers of sediments with early biology? PL3 Depth may create pressures suitable for transient liquid water even today? 9. Holden-Eberswalde Craters: (24.0°S, 33.6°W) (WEH wt% = 2.47) Late Noachian-Early Hesperian Valley network deltas and stratigraphy. Well-preserved and accessible sedimentary deposits. Ancient crust preserved along crater walls. EL4 See site 7 – same rationale. PL1. 10. Eastern Olympus Mons: (17.7°N, 128.2°W) (WEH wt% = 4.34) Recent volcanic, tectonic and fluvial activity, perhaps within the last few tens of millions of years. EL3 Not clear what the potential is for fossil life, but fluvial activity and volcanic activity would be promising. PL4 recent tectonic activity may suggest geothermal hot spots for present-day life? 11. Elysium Planitia: (5.0°N, 150°E) (WEH wt% = 3.05) Late Amazonian volcanic lava flows and outflow channels deposits. High biological interest. Testing of pack-ice hypothesis for platy units; could yield recent ice activity in the equatorial region of Mars. EL5 Sustained liquid water and lava, i.e. geochemically active and nutrients. PL2 Not geologically/aqueous today. 12. Western Olympus Mons Scarp: (19.6°N, 139.7°W) (WEH wt% = 5.79) Late Amazonian piedmont glacial deposits, stratigraphy of Olympus Mons lava flows and talus deposits. Access to Olympus Mons aureole deposits. EL4 Glacial deposits may be places for early life – if they had melted and provided liquid water. PL2 Not geologically active today to provide habitats for extant life. 13. Eastern Hellas Basin Massifs: (38.7°S, 97.0°E) (WEH wt% = 4.21) Hellas basin rim mountain rings for Noachian stratigraphy; Late Amazonian ice-rich deposits. Late Amazonian gullies, including the Centauri Montes “active gully” site (See 29), EL3 Ice and noachian terrains may have been good for early life – no obvious sustained habitats though? PL2 Not geologically active today? 14. Nili Fossae: (24.2°N, 79.4°E) (WEH wt% = 3.75) Hesperian ridged plains, OMEGA mineralogical anomalies (clays), possible ancient basin impact melt and olivine deposits. EL5 clays and impact melts suggest weathering/water/geochemical activity. May be good microenvironments for life. PL1 Not geologically active today and not obvious where extant life would be sustained. 15. Lyot Crater central deposits: (50.3°N, 29.1°E) (WEH wt% = 4.62) Largest crater in the northern lowlands, crustal stratigraphy, evidence for penetration of the cryosphere. Potential access to Late Amazonian high-latitude volatile-rich mantling deposits. EL5 Penetration of cryosphere may have provided conduit for liquid water into crater hydrothermal system. Good habitat for life. PL2 Not geologically active now, but the crater is in permafrost and contains ice – may have basal ice habitats for life? 16. Coloe Fossae Dichotomy Boundary: (41.3°N, 54.2°E) (WEH wt% = 3.86) Stratigraphy of dichotomy boundary scarp, Amazonian lobate debris aprons and lineated valley fill. Accessing the plateaus that are interspersed amongst the lineated valley fill can allow for testing as to whether potential glaciation was local or regional. WG EL3 Not a site of ancient water, but there was obviously geological activity, which may benefit life?? PL1 Not geologically active/water rich now?? 17. Utopia Planitia: (28.5°N, 134.4°E) (WEH wt% = 5.49) Examine the deposits on the floor of Utopia, including the lahar-like deposits and related materials. Access to volcanic and fluvial deposits; high concentration of polygonally patterned ground in Utopia. EL2 Dead desert in the past? May have been more water rich in the very early history of Mars? PL1 Dead today 18. Aram Chaos: (2.6°N, 21°W) (WEH wt% = 4.35) Outflow channel processes. Examine the nature of a range of mineralogical anomalies and investigate the OMEGA-based mineralogy sequence, testing the stratigraphic relationships. EL3 Outflow channels may have been good for life, but probably very transient water availabilities? PL1 Not a geologically active site today for life 19. Arsia Mons Glacial/Volcanism: (4.8°S, 126.3°W) (WEH wt% = 5..41) Examine site of late stage volcanism extruded from dikes cutting Late Amazonian glacial deposit on the northwest flank of Arsia Mons. Meteorological analysis of local climate at high elevations. EL2 If the volcanism wasn’t in an environment of high water content maybe not interesting? PL1 Not active today? 20. Slope Streaks: (14.4°N, 118.2°W) (WEH wt% = 4.31) Examine the nature and origin of slopes streaks and their characteristics, including searching for subsurface water, springs, landslide deposits, etc. EL4 Possible regions of past water, springs etc. PL4 Possible regions of present-day water, springs etc? 21. Atlantis Chaos: (34.8°S, 177.4°W) (WEH wt% = 4.99) Examine the nature of Atlantis Chaos and assess the large pluvial lake hypothesis. Extended traverses to assess the major magnetic anomalies in this area. Access to Noachian stratigraphy and fluvial processes, with potential connection to deposition within Gusev Crater. EL4 Area of water ponding??? PL1 Not very geologically active today? 22. Central Alba Patera: (40.7°N, 109.6°W) (WEH wt% = 6.85) Examine the range of Hesperian and Amazonian volcanic activity associated with Alba Patera, the young (Late Amazonian) latitude-dependent mantle deposit, and ancient (Hesperian) valley networks on the northern flanks. EL4 Valley networks and volcanism suggest strong potential for habitats for life (water/mineral supplies). PL1 Geologically inactive today. 23. Chryse Planitia: (27.0°N, 41.0°W) (WEH wt% = 3.35) Examine over a wide area the mineralogy, petrology and biology of outflow channel effluent. Examine the "oceans" hypothesis. Study underlying Hesperian ridged plains at impact craters. Provide greater context for the results from Viking Lander 1 and Pathfinder. EL3 Outflow channels may provide transient water availability, but not sustained for life. Impact craters of potential biological interest. PL1 Geologically inactive today. 24. Medusae Fossae Formation: (1.6°N, 173.2°W) (WEH wt% = 6.39) Examine the areas where interfingering of Tharsis lava flows and the MFF are observed. Establish nature and origin of MFF and stratigraphy, age and interactions with lava flows. WG EL4 Lava flows and past water? PL1 Geologically inactive today. 25. Hellas Basin Floor: (41.9°S, 69.6°E) (WEH wt% = 3.92) Study the effluent of the Eastern Hellas outflow channels, and assess the Hellas "ocean" hypothesis. Meteorologic analyses could address the unique climate of Hellas at a low elevation and relatively high pressure. Very important site for biology. EL5 depth of hellas and evidence of sediments suggests sustained liquid water. PL3 May be a place where transient liquid water (above triple point) could be sustained today at bottom of basin? 26. Northeast flanks of Arsia Mons: (7.4°S, 121.2°W) Cave skylight site (see Cushing et al., 2007 – LPSC #1371). Site of high biologic interest if subsurface water resources are available. Accessiblity to Arsia lava flows. From Melissa Lane. 27. Walls of Dao Vallis: (33.7°S, 92.5°E) These are classic, well-developed gully systems and also some of the gullies are associated with the “pasted-on” terrain which Christensen (2003) has hypothesized to be melting snowpacks. High relief throughout the valley could yield excellent insight into local micro-climate-related surface processes. From Jen Heldmann. 28. Terra Sirenum: (39.3°S, 161.7°W) Site of high-albedo deposit that formed within the last decade in the proximity of gullies (Malin et al., 2006). Classic Noachian highland terrain with Hesperian lava flows and small-scale Amazonian fluvial activity. 29. Centauri Montes: (38.7°S, 96.7°E) Site of high-albedo deposit that formed within the last decade in the proximity of gullies and more extensive volatile-rich deposits (see site 13) (Malin et al., 2006). Meteorologic stations could provide insight into the local climate of eastern Hellas and the regional climate of Hellas as a whole. 30. Terra Cimmeria: (70.0°S, 180.0°E) A suggested drill target is at 180W between 60-80S which is a region of preserved crustal magnetism (indicating old terrain) and ground ice (GRS measurement, but also crater morphology indicative of underlying deeper ice). From Jen Heldmann. 31. Mawrth Vallis: (25.3°N, 19.3°W) Fluvial geomorphology with heavy weathering. Stratigraphic analysis and access to the northern lowlands. From Francois Poulet. 32. Olympia Planitia: (75.0°N, 180.0°E) Sulfate-rich dunes around the north pole (very recent alteration product(?)). Access to the southern-most extent of the residual polar caps, and access to polar troughs to reveal Amazonian climate history. From Francois Poulet. 33. Valles Marineris: (6.2°S, 70°W) Sulfate-rich deposits only accessible by human operations. Extensive stratigraphic analysis and access to landslides/talus piles. From Francois Poulet. 34. Arsia lobate glacial deposit: (7.4°S, 123.8°W) Evidence for Late-Amazonian glacial activity. Assess the interaction of late-stage glaciation and volcanism, analyze climate history and sample possible residual ice. Assess various moraines, obtain ice cores, sample lava flow stratigraphy to assess volcano and glacial chronology. **RM** 35. North Polar Cap: (86.0°N, 79.0°E) Accessibility to Late-Amazonian ice deposits, through drilling and stratigraphic analysis of polar troughs. From Joe Levy. 36. South Polar Cap: (88.0°S, 30.0°E) Accessibility to Late-Amazonian ice deposits, through drilling and stratigraphic analysis of polar troughs. From Joe Levy. 37. Syrtis Major Planum: (7.0°N, 69.0°E) Possible SNC-meteorite ejection locale, Hesperian lava flows and silicate-rich deposits in caldera. Interactions with Isidis and the northern lowlands. From Joe Levy. 38. Mangala Valles: (18.0°S, 149.4°W) Outflow Channel Floor: Residual ice-rich deposits remaining on the floor of an outflow channel. Hesperian-aged (?) outflow channel. Dike-related vents; evidence for phreatomagmatic eruption and rim glacial deposits at the graben. Examine floor and evidence for multiple events and role of groundwater. Possible residual ice on the floor of the channel. From Joe Levy. **RM** 39. Nilosyrtis Mensae: (35.0°N, 71.0°E) Complex LVF/LDA stratigraphy along the dichotomy boundary. Evidence for multi-stage formation of extensive glacial deposits; sampling could provide chronology for recent climate change and resulting glacial landforms. From Joe Levy. 40. Olympus Mons Caldera Floor: (18.3°N, 133.0°W) Age of Tharsis volcanism; Caldera wall stratigraphy, chronology, atmospheric dust stratigraphy, ash deposition. Landslide deposits along the caldera wall. Seismic studies and mass spectrometer for possible gas venting. 41. Milankovic Crater: (55°N, 146.5°W) Rare large impact crater within the northern lowlands (> 40 km); Analysis of excavated material from the northern lowlands and adjacent high-latitude volatile-rich mantling and related deposits. 42. Kasei Valles: (21.0°N, 73.8°W) Massive streamlined morphology gives access to Noachian/Hesperian fluvial deposits; Stratigraphic analysis of channel walls; Channel is sourced from the northern extent of Vallis Marineris, which could yield insight into more regional processes. Evidence for fluvial activity, glacial scour, and subsequent lava flows. 43. Vastitas Borealis Formation: (65.7°N, 20.2°E) Classic northern lowlands terrain; Possible sublimation residue for outflow channel effluent; extensive polygon development; Latitude-dependent mantling deposits; Context for Mars Phoenix analysis. 44. T-Shaped Valley: (37.6°N, 24.0°E) Massive glacial deposits along the dichotomy boundary; Multiple converging flows from various localized sources; Meteorological study could address the recent conditions along the dichotomy boundary; Possible Late Amazonian glacial ice preserved. 45. Isidis Basin Floor: (12.0°N, 88.5°E) Possible flooding remnants from a Noachian and Hesperian northern ocean; Volcanic input from Syrtis Major; Was this a major part of a northern lowlands ocean? 46. Utopia Basin Floor: (43.8°N, 117.0°E) Extensive access to patterned ground and near-surface volatiles; Examine distal parts of the Elysium lahar deposits; Corroborative studies to go along with VL2 analyses; Possible preserved ice from Early Amazonian. 47. Hecates Tholus: (32.0°N, 150.3°E) Unique concentration of young (Hesperian/Amazonian) valley networks, in the proximity of extensive Hesperian volcanic activity; Access to nearby northern lowlands; Some volcanism may be Amazonian. 48. Peak Magnetic Anomalies: (60.0°S, 175.0°E) Geophysical analysis could reveal details of an early Martian magnetic field; classic Noachian cratered terrain could yield insight into the composition of Mars in its first billion years; Major goal would be to link surface geology to any evidence of subsurface magnetism and magnetic carriers. 49. Hesperian Calderas: (59.4°S, 60.7°E) Volcanic record for middle-Mars history; Meteorological study could document interaction between Hellas and South Pole; Examine key part of martian timeline; understand Hesperian volcanic processes and related valley networks. 50. Hesperia Planum: (23.3°S, 110.6°E) Potential comparison with classic lunar mare terrain; Structural investigation of wrinkle-ridge formation; Examination of classic unit of the Mars timeline. 51. Huygens Ridge: (12.3°S, 66.3°E) Access to exhumed dike/Potential Hesperian Ridged terrain; Geochemical analyses of intrusive volcanic material; This dike system may be feeder for major Hesperian ridged plains volcanism. 52. Argyre floor deposits: (51.5°S, 41°W) Potential analyses of volatile deposits from south polar ice sheet; primary impact record for large impact basin/large impact melt-sheet; Amazonian formation of small-scale fluvial features. Possible eskers in southern part of basin; Assess evidence for aqueous flooding and shorelines. 53. Thaumasia Valley Networks (Warrego): (38.6°S, 89.4°W) Post-emplacement modification of classic Noachian valley networks; Access to ice-rich crater-fill material; Geophysically probe classic thrust-like structure at edge of Tharsis rise. 54. Syria Planum: (7.7°S, 100.5°W) Structural evolution of Tharsis; Close proximity to western most extent of Valles Marineris; This region is highest point on Tharsis and key to its early volcanic evolution. 55. Proctor Crater: (47.5°S, 30.2°E) Extensive dune field on crater floor; Study of recent dune formation and migration and relation to climate change; Stratigraphic analysis of Noachian crust. 56. White Rock: (8.0°S, 25.2°E) Field analysis of high-albedo crater floor deposit; Eolian modification history of enigmatic surface unit; Thought to be key to early mineralogy and resurfacing. 57. Complex tectonic ridges: (66.0°S, 140.0°E) Structural analysis of Noachian terrain; Potential exposure of deep-crust from massive faulting; Enigmatic part of Noachian crustal deformation; Geophysical analyses. 58. Mie Crater: (48.5°N, 139.7°E) Rare large crater within the northern lowlands provides vertical sampling and stratigraphy; Fifty-year in-situ comparison of high-latitude present-day surface processes and climatic activity; Examination of condition of Viking 2 lander after ~50 years; Ground truth for major mid-latitude site that illustrates periglacial processes. |