Abstract
This paper highlights unique sites in Ladakh, India, investigated during our 2016 multidisciplinary pathfinding expedition to the region. We summarize our scientific findings and the site's potential to support science exploration, testing of new technologies and science protocols within the framework of astrobiology research. Ladakh has several accessible, diverse, pristine and extreme environments at very high altitudes (3000–5700 m above sea level). These sites include glacial passes, sand dunes, hot springs and saline lake shorelines with periglacial features. We report geological observations and environmental characteristics (of astrobiological significance) along with the development of regolith-landform maps for cold high passes. The effects of the diurnal water cycle on salt deliquescence were studied using the ExoMars Mission instrument mockup: HabitAbility: Brines, Irradiance and Temperature (HABIT). It recorded the existence of an interaction between the diurnal water cycle in the atmosphere and salts in the soil (which can serve as habitable liquid water reservoirs). Life detection assays were also tested to establish the best protocols for biomass measurements in brines, periglacial ice-mud and permafrost melt water environments in the Tso-Kar region. This campaign helped confirm the relevance of clays and brines as interest targets of research on Mars for biomarker preservation and life detection.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 78-98 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | International Journal of Astrobiology |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 13 Jun 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Acknowledgements. The team would like to express its gratitude to Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Department of Science and Technology, Office of Chief Wildlife Warden of Ladakh, Government of India for helping arrange the requisite clearances and permits for the conducted work. Project mentoring and guidance provided by Spaceward Bound members at NASA Ames Research Center. Financial and logistics support provided by Tata Motors Ltd, Inspired Journeys Co, Pearl Travels Ltd and National Geographic Traveller India. Website and IT support provided by the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science. Audio-video documentation support provided by Astroproject India and The Highroad Co.Keywords
- analogue
- astrobiology
- high-elevation
- hot-springs
- India
- Ladakh
- permafrost
- CLAY-MINERALS
- ORGANIC-MATTER
- HIMALAYA
- ICE
- LAKE
- PRESERVATION
- MARS
- CHEMISTRY
- TSO KAR
- PUGA