Sulfate Mineralogy and Habitability

Remote sensing observations and rover missions have provided evidence of sulfate-rich mineral associations on Mars. These minerals often serve as paleo-indicators of hydrous, acidic, and oxidizing environments that existed in Mars' ancient history.

Long-lived hydrothermal systems are particularly intriguing targets for astrobiological exploration. This study employs micro-mineralogical analysis of sulfate-rich samples to delineate episodic changes in hydrothermal environments and assess their significance for habitability.