|
When an asteroid or comet collides with the Earth, a crater structure is left behind to mark the spot of such a powerful and devastating collision. During recent history no crater has been produced in which to study the effects to the local habitat and the post colonisation of the crater. New published research in Astrobiology Journal highlights how understanding craters on Earth, can play an important role in looking for life elsewhere in our solar system.
During a planetary collision energies are several magnitudes higher than nuclear bomb detonations, the consequences of this release of energy influences the geological nature of the area. These changes can provide novel conditions for life to occupy. The newly formed shock-metamorphic rocks become the perfect home for rock-living organisms while large rock fragments become the ideal nesting location for birds.
Using this research scientists can greater understand habitats that may have formed in the craters of Mars or on other solar system bodies. Shock-metamorphism rocks on Mars might be the perfect medium for micro-organisms to exist. Recent data returned by the NASA Mars Odyssey suggests the presence of subsurface ices. The shocked rocks would have a higher porosity and would therefore allow greater room for the preservation of biological materials.
More info: Astrobiology Journal Article
|
