carbonate matrix Archives - Astrobiology

Photomicrographs images of microfabrics within carbonate nodules in this study under plane-polarized transmitted light (TL). (A) A TL image of the boxed zone in Figure 2E shows micrite-dominated and sparite-dominated bands, corresponding to the light and dark bands respectively. (B) A cross-section of the nodule (B) in Figure 2 shows a concentric zoned structure. (C) A cross-section of the nodule with multiple cores shows an irregular growing pattern of zoned structures inside. (D) A TL image showing micrite texture in the porous light bands of zoned structures. (E) A TL image of the boxed zone in Figure 2H shows the occurrence of detrital minerals in nodules. (F) A TL image of the boxed zone in Figure 2F shows the occurrence of detrital minerals in the micrite matrix. (G) An enlargement of a sparite-dominated band in panel (A) showing radial-fibrous texture. (H) Close-up of the white box in panel (C) showing alternate micrite and sparite that is composed of radial-fibrous texture. (I) Close-up of the white box in panel (D) showing micrite texture in porous light bands. , Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences

Analog Studies, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Status Report

Taphonomy Of Biosignatures In Carbonate Nodules From The Mars-analog Qaidam Basin

by Keith CowingJuly 29, 2024July 29, 2024

Early diagenetic nodules with low permeable and weather-resistant structures are considered to be favorable for biosignature preservation.