Thermodynamic Constrains on Smectite and Iron Oxide Formation at Gale Crater, Mars: Insights into Potential Free Energy from Aerobic Fe Oxidation in Lake Water–Groundwater Mixing Zone

The presence of saponite and iron oxides in Sheepbed mudstone of Yellowknife Bay at Gale crater on Mars is considered as evidence of a habitable fluvio-lacustrine environment for chemolithoautotrophy. However, the energetic availability for metabolic reactions is poorly constrained. Herein, we propo...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sakiko Kikuchi, Takazo Shibuya
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
Series:Minerals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/11/4/341