The New Mars Underground IX: Maximizing Martian Subsurface Science Return

Session ID#: 281761

Session Description:
Exploration of the Martian subsurface is evolving  rapidly, driven by multiple extended missions, preparation for Moon-to-Mars, and prioritization of the ExoMars rover and human exploration as outlined in the Decadal Survey. Maximizing scientific return through interdisciplinary collaboration is more essential than ever. This exploration follows four key themes: 1) physical, chemical, and thermodynamic properties of Mars’ interior, 2) the distribution and stability of liquid water and ice inventories using novel and Earth-based methods, 3) the provenance, cycling, and isotopic composition of bio-relevant trace gases, and 4) identification of habitable “refugia environments” where conditions could feasibly support an extant biosphere. For the ninth “New Mars Underground”, we invite abstracts that advance these themes, particularly those that integrate remote sensing, modeling, terrestrial analogs/synthetic samples, and mission concept development to illuminate the scientific value that the Martian subsurface represents for planetary evolution, comparative planetology, and development of habitable environments. 
Index Terms:

5455 Origin and evolution [PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLID SURFACE PLANETS]
6207 Comparative planetology [PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS]
6225 Mars [PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS]
6297 Instruments and techniques [PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS]
Primary Convener:  David G Burtt, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, United States
Conveners:  John P Ortiz, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Hanover, United States, Dr. Yu-Feng Forrest Lin, PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, United States; Illinois Water Resources Center, Champaign, United States, Mohammad Afzal Shadab, University of Texas at Austin, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Austin, United States and Julian matthews Chesnutt, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, United States
See more of: Planetary Sciences