Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Hiroyuki Kurokawa, Yayoi N. Miura, Seiji Sugita, Yuichiro Cho, Francois Leblanc, Naoki Terada, Hiromu Nakagawa
Summary: Martian atmospheric neon can reflect the volatile content of the interior, with recent studies suggesting active volcanism on Mars and a much higher abundance of neon in the mantle compared to Earth. These findings provide important constraints on the abundance of other volatile elements in Mars' interior and its accretion history.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
J. Michael Battalio
Summary: This study compares the ability of different Martian reanalysis datasets to represent the growth and decay of short-period transient eddies. The results show that these eddies primarily occur in the Northern Hemisphere of Mars and grow on the upstream sides of basins. The overall effect of barotropic energy conversion is a net loss of eddy kinetic energy. When using data from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer, the reanalysis results agree on the amplitude and timing of the eddies, but there is less constraint during the Mars Climate Sounder observational era. The analysis of individual eddies during this era should only be performed when there is agreement across reanalyses and large eddy amplitudes.
JOURNAL OF THE ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
William R. Saunders, Michael J. Person, Paul Withers
Summary: Gravity waves are prevalent in the atmosphere of Mars and have a significant impact on the circulation and thermal structure of the middle and upper atmosphere. Studying gravity wave characteristics in the middle atmosphere is crucial for understanding their propagation and dissipation.
ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaoguang Qin, Xin Ren, Xu Wang, Jianjun Liu, Haibin Wu, Xingguo Zeng, Yong Sun, Zhaopeng Chen, Shihao Zhang, Yizhong Zhang, Wangli Chen, Bin Liu, Dawei Liu, Lin Guo, Kangkang Li, Xiangzhao Zeng, Hai Huang, Qing Zhang, Songzheng Yu, Chunlai Li, Zhengtang Guo
Summary: Landforms on the Martian surface provide valuable insights into past surface processes, but the modern hydroclimatic conditions on Mars are still not well understood. This study reports the discovery of various surface features on salt-rich dunes in southern Utopia Planitia, suggesting the involvement of saline water from thawed frost/snow as the most likely cause. The findings shed light on the more humid conditions of the modern Martian climate and have important implications for future exploration missions searching for signs of extant life.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
K. S. Olsen, A. Trokhimovskiy, L. Montabone, A. A. Fedorova, M. Luginin, F. Lefevre, O. I. Korablev, F. Montmessin, F. Forget, E. Millour, A. Bierjon, L. Baggio, J. Alday, C. F. Wilson, P. G. J. Irwin, D. A. Belyaev, A. Patrakeev, A. Shakun
Summary: Hydrogen chloride was discovered in the atmosphere of Mars for the first time during a global dust storm in Mars year 34, leading to the proposal of a novel surface-atmosphere coupling. Monitoring of HCl activity after seasonal dust activity restarted in Mars year 35 confirmed the existence of this coupling, showing rapid increases in HCl mixing ratios coinciding with the onset of the dust season.
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Carl Christian Liebe, David Arge Klevang Pedersen, Abigail Allwood, Anastassia Bang, Seth Bartman, Mathias Benn, Troelz Denver, Gary Doran, Marc C. Foote, Andreas Jorgensen, John Leif Jorgensen, Patrick Meras, Timothy P. Setterfield, Robert Sharrow, Michael E. Sondheim, Lars Timmermann, Shihchuan Tsai, Lawrence A. Wade, Daniel W. Wilson
Summary: This article describes an optical sensor system for accurately positioning instruments/payloads relative to an unknown surface. The sensor utilizes various image processing techniques and optical stimulation, and can place instruments on the unknown surface with precision using TRN.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Leena M. Cycil, Elisabeth M. Hausrath, Douglas W. Ming, Christopher T. Adcock, James Raymond, Daniel Remias, Warren P. Ruemmele
Summary: Algae are essential for a self-sustaining Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS), with findings indicating that Dunaliella salina, Chloromonas brevispina, and Chlorella vulgaris are promising candidates for use under low-pressure conditions relevant to Mars.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
P. Withers, M. Felici, M. Mendillo, M. F. Vogt, E. Barbinis, D. Kahan, K. Oudrhiri, C. Gray, C. O. Lee, S. Xu, M. Lester, B. Sanchez-Cano, B. M. Jakosky, S. Curry
Summary: Unusually large peak electron density values have been sporadically observed in the nightside ionosphere of Mars in regions of strong and open crustal magnetic field. However, the vertical structure of the ionosphere has not been observed before. This study presents three vertical electron density profiles from the nightside ionosphere of Mars, showing comparably large values of peak electron density. These findings contradict previous research by associating the large nightside electron density values with protons, rather than electrons.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
A. Renzaglia, T. E. Cravens, O. Hamil
Summary: Crustal magnetic fields on Mars impact the ionosphere and total ion loss over time. This study focuses on the effects of ionospheric current sheets at the boundary between crustal and induced magnetic fields. By comparing crustal field models and measured magnetic fields, the variations in field strength can be confirmed, particularly in strong crustal field regions.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
F. Da Pieve, G. Gronoff, J. Guo, C. J. Mertens, L. Neary, B. Gu, N. E. Koval, J. Kohanoff, A. C. Vandaele, F. Cleri
Summary: This study investigates the radiation environment induced by galactic and solar radiation at Oxia Planum and Mawrth Vallis on Mars, revealing similar conditions at different sites during solar minimum and maximum, with slightly enhanced gamma-ray contribution in water-rich regolith. The exposure estimates for different locations show reasonable to large safety margins for long stays and low risk for short stays, with the influence of ground composition on radiation levels highlighted.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Matthew P. Nikitczuk, Gray E. Bebout, Charles A. Geiger, Tsutomu Ota, Takuya Kunihiro, John F. Mustard, Saemundur A. Halldorsson, Eizo Nakamura
Summary: In this study, the concentrations and isotopic compositions of nitrogen (N) in terrestrial minerals and rocks were measured to investigate the incorporation and storage of N during weathering and hydrothermal alteration processes on Mars. The results suggest the presence of biologically processed N in these minerals, indicating the potential for the existence of ancient or modern life on Mars. Geological materials known to contain and store N on Earth should be considered as targets for future Mars sample return missions.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Soumyo Dutta, Christopher D. D. Karlgaard, David Kass, Michael Mischna, Gregorio G. G. Villar III
Summary: The Mars 2020 spacecraft successfully landed the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter in Jezero crater on Feb. 18, 2021. The entry, descent, and landing sequence of the spacecraft were based on the previous Mars Science Laboratory mission. The preflight atmospheric models used for Mars 2020 were assessed and compared to postflight measurements, showing underprediction of density in the upper atmosphere and consistency in other parameters.
JOURNAL OF SPACECRAFT AND ROCKETS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Aaron Bello-Arufe, Heather A. Knutson, Joao M. Mendonca, Michael M. Zhang, Samuel H. C. Cabot, Alexander D. Rathcke, Ana Ulla, Shreyas Vissapragada, Lars A. Buchhave
Summary: We analyzed the atmosphere of the lowest-density gas giant, HAT-P-67b, and detected the presence of calcium and sodium species. We explored the atmospheric escape and found no evidence of day-to-night wind. The significant line depths of calcium suggest a higher degree of ionization in the upper atmosphere than predicted by models. We also observed redshifted absorption in the Ha and He lines, indicating the possible presence of extended planetary outflow.
ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Aerospace
Vincent Roux, Shawn Duan
Summary: This research established methods of physical testing and analysis to characterize damage to a lander caused by rocket-propelled regolith during powered operations on or near planetary surfaces. Testing was conducted using commonly available materials to lower costs, with lift-off tests performed in atmospheric conditions using compressed gas as propellant. The study emphasized the importance of safe and cost-effective testing methods to identify key design revisions before risking equipment in more expensive vacuum facility tests.
PROCEEDINGS OF ASME 2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CONGRESS AND EXPOSITION (IMECE2021), VOL 4
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Elisa Lagostina, Mikhail Andreev, Francesco Dal Grande, Felix Grewe, Aline Lorenz, H. Thorsten Lumbsch, Ricardo Rozzi, Ulrike Ruprecht, Leopoldo Garcia Sancho, Ulrik Sochting, Mayara Scur, Nora Wirtz, Christian Printzen
Summary: The genetic structure of three lichen species in the Maritime Antarctic and southern South America was studied, revealing that different dispersal strategies and migration histories influence their genetic diversity levels.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nuria Beltran-Sanz, Jose Raggio, Sergi Gonzalez, Francesco Dal Grande, Stefan Prost, Allan Green, Ana Pintado, Leopoldo Garcia Sancho
Summary: This study investigated the potential effects of climate change on the metabolic activity and net primary photosynthesis (NPP) in the widespread lichen species Usnea catrantiaco-atra in the Antarctic tundra biome. The findings suggest that microclimate is the main driver of NPP, with temperature being highlighted as the main factor. Climate warming is predicted to increase NPP by 167-171% at the end of the century. Other factors such as light and relative humidity may also modify the metabolic activity patterns of poikilohydric autotrophs and their NPP.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
I Tomasi, M. Massironi, C. M. Meyzen, R. Pozzobon, F. Sauro, L. Penasa, T. Santagata, M. Tonello, G. D. Santana Gomez, J. Martinez-Frias
Summary: The study of the lava tube system in La Corona reveals the significant role of pyroclastic layers in the development of lava tubes. The mechanical strength of the substrate, variations in paleo-surface slope, and lava physical properties also influence erosion. These findings are relevant to the understanding of extra-terrestrial lava tube systems.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jose Raggio, David S. Pescador, Beatriz Gozalo, Victoria Ochoa, Enrique Valencia, Leopoldo G. Sancho, Fernando T. Maestre
Summary: This study investigates the physiological basis behind the negative impacts of climate warming on biocrust-forming lichens in drylands. The results show that simulated warming and decreased relative moisture negatively affect the physiology of these lichens, particularly during the warmer and drier period of spring. These impacts are driven by a mechanism of reduced net photosynthesis periods and declines in yield and Fv/Fm under warming conditions.
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Nuria Beltran-Sanz, Jose Raggio, Allan Green, Ana Pintado, Leopoldo Garcia Sancho, Sergi Gonzalez, Francesco Dal Grande, Stefan Prost
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Philipp Porada, Maaike Y. Bader, Monica B. Berdugo, Claudia Colesie, Christopher J. Ellis, Paolo Giordani, Ulrike Herzschuh, Yunyao Ma, Samuli Launiainen, Juri Nascimbene, Imke Petersen, Jose Raggio Quilez, Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero, Kathrin Rousk, Leopoldo G. Sancho, Christoph Scheidegger, Steffen Seitz, John T. Van Stan, Maik Veste, Bettina Weber, David J. Weston
Summary: Nonvascular photoautotrophs (NVP), such as bryophytes, lichens, terrestrial algae, and cyanobacteria, play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. However, climate change poses a significant threat to NVP, and its impact on ecosystem functions and services remains uncertain. This study proposes a research agenda to address this urgent question, focusing on physiological and ecological processes linking NVP to ecosystem functions and considering the taxonomic diversity across different ecosystems. The study highlights the need for more quantitative understanding in areas such as acclimation potential, response to elevated CO2, microbiome role, and feedback to (micro)climate, and suggests an integrative approach of laboratory and field experiments and ecophysiological modeling.
Review
Environmental Studies
Claudia Colesie, Charlotte Walshaw, Leopoldo Garcia Sancho, Matthew P. Davey, Andrew Gray
Summary: Antarctica plays a central role in regulating global climatic and oceanographic patterns and its vegetation is highly adapted to extreme conditions. In the maritime region, vegetation is expected to increase in productivity and abundance, while in the continental region, conditions are likely to become drier and harsher.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nuria Beltran-Sanz, Jose Raggio, Ana Pintado, Francesco Dal Grande, Leopoldo Garcia Sancho
Summary: This study investigated the physiological tolerance ranges of the cosmopolitan moss Ceratodon purpureus. The findings suggest that this species has the ability to adapt to extreme temperatures and high radiation, and possesses traits such as regulation of photosynthetic efficiency and temperature adaptation, which are in line with the climatic characteristics of different habitats. The study highlights the high resilience of C. purpureus and provides insights into the physiological responses of cryptogams to climate change scenarios.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Francesco Sauro, Samuel J. Payler, Matteo Massironi, Riccardo Pozzobon, Harald Hiesinger, Nicolas Mangold, Charles S. Cockell, Jesus Martinez Frias, Kare Kullerud, Leonardo Turchi, Igor Drozdovskiy, Loredana Bessone
Summary: Future human missions to the Moon and Mars require astronauts to have scientific expertise in geological and astrobiological planetary exploration. PANGAEA, a field training course developed by the European Space Agency, aims to provide astronauts with essential theoretical and practical knowledge in geology and astrobiology. The course integrates classroom and field lessons to enhance trainees' skills in scientific decision-making, working with remote science teams, and efficient documentation.
Article
Geography
Ilaria Tomasi, Matteo Tonello, Matteo Massironi, Pierre-Antoine Tesson, Francesco Sauro, C. M. Meyzen, Jesus Martinez-Frias, Elena Mateo Mederos
Summary: This work presents a detailed volcano-geological map of the Northern region of Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain). The map integrates field data, geological maps, digital elevation models, aerial orthophotographs, and data from previous publications. It provides a detailed view of the volcanic diversity of the region and an overview of the lava tube system of La Corona, which can serve as references for future research work.
Article
Ecology
Sergio Perez-Ortega, Miguel Verdu, Isaac Garrido-Benavent, Sonia Rabasa, T. G. Allan Green, Leopoldo G. Sancho, Asuncion de los Rios
Summary: Networks of interactions between lichen-forming fungi and their photosynthetic partners in lichen communities in continental Antarctica along a latitudinal transect show high specialization and modularity, with no significant changes along the latitudinal gradient. Future research should investigate whether these patterns are widespread in lichen communities in regions with milder climates and on different substrates.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ulrik Sochting, Leo G. Sancho, Ulf Arup
Summary: This study describes three new twig-growing lichen species from southern Patagonia, while also indicating the phylogenetic relationship of the genus Marchantiana.
Article
Plant Sciences
Leopoldo G. Sancho, Ana Aramburu, Ana Pintado, Manuel Casares, Jose Raggio, David Sanchez-Pescador
Summary: Two strict polar-alpine Umbilicaria species (U. aprina and U. virginis) were reported growing together in Los Pefiones de San Francisco. Other localities in the highest summits of the Alps and Pyrenees were also considered. The meaning of these isolated populations as glacial relicts was discussed.
MEDITERRANEAN BOTANY
(2022)
