Microbial colonization in impact-generated hydrothermal sulphate deposits, Haughton impact structure, and implications for sulphates on Mars

• Published in: International Journal of Astrobiology
• Main Authors: Parnell, J., Lee, P., Cockell, C.S., Osinski, G.R.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2004
• Subjects: Canada; Devon Island
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1473550404001995; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1473550404001995

Hydrothermal gypsum deposits in the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canada, contain microbial communities in an endolithic habitat within individual gypsum crystals. Cyanobacterial colonies occur as masses along cleavage planes, up to 5 cm from crystal margins. The crystals are transparent,...