Microbial life on Mars is not visible from orbit or by rover cameras, but the fracture networks and scarp morphologies associated with fractures they could live in are measurable. We conducted a field analogue study of 92 normal fault scarps in the Sheepshead Mountains, Oregon to examine the correlation between scarp morphology and vegetation growth in the Steens Basalt. While vegetation is not expected on Mars, the fracture networks that sustain vegetation offer the same micro-environment that would support and protect endoliths. Structural variables were measured in the field and infrared spectra of fault scarps were measured using a handheld multispectral camera and vegetation indices were calculated from these images. Statistical analysis of the scarp morphologic parameters indicate that interconnectedness of fractures is key for elevated vegetation and is represented by a range of parameters. Results support a model for ideal slopes to investigate for preserved biological activity on Mars.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-6469 |
| Date | 13 May 2022 |
| Creators | Bohanon, Allison |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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