Raman spectroscopic analysis of arctic nodules: relevance to the astrobiological exploration of Mars

The discovery of small, spherical nodules termed 'blueberries' in Gusev Crater on Mars, by the NASA rover Opportunity has given rise to much debate on account of their interesting and novel morphology. A terrestrial analogue in the form of spherical nodules of similar size and morphology has been analysed using Raman spectroscopy; the mineralogical composition has been determined and evidence found for the biological colonisation of these nodules from the spectral signatures of cyanobacterial protective biochemical residues such as scytonemin, carotenoids, phycocyanins and xanthophylls. This is an important result for the recognition of future sites for the planned astrobiological exploration of planetary surfaces using remote robotic instrumentation in the search for extinct and extant life biosignatures and for the expansion of putative terrestrial Mars analogue geological niches and morphologies.