Life In Antarctic Deserts And Other Cold Dry Environments

Author : Peter T. Doran,W. Berry Lyons,Diane M. McKnight
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 2010-04-29
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781139487542

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Life in Antarctic Deserts and other Cold Dry Environments by Peter T. Doran,W. Berry Lyons,Diane M. McKnight Pdf

The McMurdo Dry Valleys form the largest relatively ice-free area on the Antarctic continent. The perennially ice-covered lakes, ephemeral streams and extensive areas of exposed soil are subject to low temperatures, limited precipitation and salt accumulation. The dry valleys thus represent a region where life approaches its environmental limits. This unique ecosystem has been studied for several decades as an analog to environments on other planets, particularly Mars. For the first time, the detailed terrestrial research of the dry valleys is brought together here, presented from an astrobiological perspective. Chapters include a discussion on the history of research in the valleys, a geological background of the valleys, setting them up as analogs for Mars, followed by chapters on the various sub-environments in the valleys such as lakes, glaciers and soils. Includes concluding chapters on biodiversity and other analog environments on Earth.

Author : Elanor Bell
Publisher : CABI
Page : 576 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2012
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781845938147

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Life at Extremes by Elanor Bell Pdf

From arid deserts to icy poles, outer space to the depths of the sea, this exciting new work studies the remarkable life forms that have made these inhospitable environments their home. Covering not only micro-organisms, but also higher plants and animals such as worms, fish and polar plants, this book details the ecological, biological and biogeochemical challenges these organisms face and unifying themes between environments. Equally useful for the expert, student and casual scientific reader, this book also explores the impact of climate change, rapid seasonal changes and pollution on these extraordinary creatures.

Author : M.J. Hambrey,P.F. Barker,P.J. Barrett,V. Bowman,B. Davies,J.L. Smellie,M. Tranter
Publisher : Geological Society of London
Page : 497 pages
File Size : 44,7 Mb
Release : 2013-12-05
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781862393639

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Antarctic Palaeoenvironments and Earth-Surface Processes by M.J. Hambrey,P.F. Barker,P.J. Barrett,V. Bowman,B. Davies,J.L. Smellie,M. Tranter Pdf

The volume highlights developments in our understanding of the palaeogeographical, palaeobiological, palaeoclimatic and cryospheric evolution of Antarctica. It focuses on the sedimentary record from the Devonian to the Quaternary Period. It features tectonic evolution and stratigraphy, as well as processes taking place adjacent to, beneath and beyond the ice-sheet margin, including the continental shelf. The contributions in this volume include several invited review papers, as well as original research papers arising from the International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences in Edinburgh, in July 2011. These papers demonstrate a remarkable diversity of Earth science interests in the Antarctic. Following international trends, there is particular emphasis on the Cenozoic Era, reflecting the increasing emphasis on the documentation and understanding of the past record of ice-sheet fluctuations. Furthermore, Antarctic Earth history is providing us with important information about potential future trends, as the impact of global warming is increasingly felt on the continent and its ocean.

Author : Guido di Prisco,Howell G. M. Edwards,Josef Elster,Ad H. L. Huiskes
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 383 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2020-10-15
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781108498562

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Life in Extreme Environments by Guido di Prisco,Howell G. M. Edwards,Josef Elster,Ad H. L. Huiskes Pdf

A diverse account of how life exists in extreme environments and these systems' susceptibility and resilience to climate change.

Author : Cyprien Verseux,Jean-Pierre Paul de Vera,Natalie Leys,Lucie Poulet
Publisher : Frontiers Media SA
Page : 318 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2022-10-20
Category : Science
ISBN : 9782832503010

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Bioregenerative Life-Support Systems for Crewed Missions to the Moon and Mars by Cyprien Verseux,Jean-Pierre Paul de Vera,Natalie Leys,Lucie Poulet Pdf

Author : Johanna Laybourn-Parry,Martyn Tranter,Andrew J. Hodson
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 200 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2012-02-02
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780199583089

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The Ecology of Snow and Ice Environments by Johanna Laybourn-Parry,Martyn Tranter,Andrew J. Hodson Pdf

The majority of extremophiles in ice and snow are microorganisms.

Author : Thomas M. Schmidt
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 3248 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2019-09-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780128117378

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Encyclopedia of Microbiology by Thomas M. Schmidt Pdf

Encyclopedia of Microbiology, Fourth Edition, Five Volume Set gathers both basic and applied dimensions in this dynamic field that includes virtually all environments on Earth. This range attracts a growing number of cross-disciplinary studies, which the encyclopedia makes available to readers from diverse educational backgrounds. The new edition builds on the solid foundation established in earlier versions, adding new material that reflects recent advances in the field. New focus areas include `Animal and Plant Microbiomes’ and ‘Global Impact of Microbes`. The thematic organization of the work allows users to focus on specific areas, e.g., for didactical purposes, while also browsing for topics in different areas. Offers an up-to-date and authoritative resource that covers the entire field of microbiology, from basic principles, to applied technologies Provides an organic overview that is useful to academic teachers and scientists from different backgrounds Includes chapters that are enriched with figures and graphs, and that can be easily consulted in isolation to find fundamental definitions and concepts

Author : Sarah Stewart Johnson
Publisher : Crown
Page : 304 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2020-07-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781101904824

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The Sirens of Mars by Sarah Stewart Johnson Pdf

“Sarah Stewart Johnson interweaves her own coming-of-age story as a planetary scientist with a vivid history of the exploration of Mars in this celebration of human curiosity, passion, and perseverance.”—Alan Lightman, author of Einstein’s Dreams WINNER OF THE PHI BETA KAPPA AWARD FOR SCIENCE • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • Times (UK) • Library Journal “Lovely . . . Johnson’s prose swirls with lyrical wonder, as varied and multihued as the apricot deserts, butterscotch skies and blue sunsets of Mars.”—Anthony Doerr, The New York Times Book Review Mars was once similar to Earth, but today there are no rivers, no lakes, no oceans. Coated in red dust, the terrain is bewilderingly empty. And yet multiple spacecraft are circling Mars, sweeping over Terra Sabaea, Syrtis Major, the dunes of Elysium, and Mare Sirenum—on the brink, perhaps, of a staggering find, one that would inspire humankind as much as any discovery in the history of modern science. In this beautifully observed, deeply personal book, Georgetown scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson tells the story of how she and other researchers have scoured Mars for signs of life, transforming the planet from a distant point of light into a world of its own. Johnson’s fascination with Mars began as a child in Kentucky, turning over rocks with her father and looking at planets in the night sky. She now conducts fieldwork in some of Earth’s most hostile environments, such as the Dry Valleys of Antarctica and the salt flats of Western Australia, developing methods for detecting life on other worlds. Here, with poetic precision, she interlaces her own personal journey—as a female scientist and a mother—with tales of other seekers, from Percival Lowell, who was convinced that a utopian society existed on Mars, to Audouin Dollfus, who tried to carry out astronomical observations from a stratospheric balloon. In the process, she shows how the story of Mars is also a story about Earth: This other world has been our mirror, our foil, a telltale reflection of our own anxieties and yearnings. Empathetic and evocative, The Sirens of Mars offers an unlikely natural history of a place where no human has ever set foot, while providing a vivid portrait of our quest to defy our isolation in the cosmos.

Author : Christon J. Hurst
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 684 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 2021-05-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030635121

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Microbes: The Foundation Stone of the Biosphere by Christon J. Hurst Pdf

This collection of essays discusses fascinating aspects of the concept that microbes are at the root of all ecosystems. The content is divided into seven parts, the first of those emphasizes that microbes not only were the starting point, but sustain the rest of the biosphere and shows how life evolves through a perpetual struggle for habitats and niches. Part II explains the ways in which microbial life persists in some of the most extreme environments, while Part III presents our understanding of the core aspects of microbial metabolism. Part IV examines the duality of the microbial world, acknowledging that life exists as a balance between certain processes that we perceive as being environmentally supportive and others that seem environmentally destructive. In turn, Part V discusses basic aspects of microbial symbioses, including interactions with other microorganisms, plants and animals. The concept of microbial symbiosis as a driving force in evolution is covered in Part VI. In closing, Part VII explores the adventure of microbiological research, including some reminiscences from and perspectives on the lives and careers of microbe hunters. Given its mixture of science and philosophy, the book will appeal to scientists and advanced students of microbiology, evolution and ecology alike.

Author : Nathalie A. Cabrol,Edmond A. Grin
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 390 pages
File Size : 53,6 Mb
Release : 2018-07-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780128099360

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From Habitability to Life on Mars by Nathalie A. Cabrol,Edmond A. Grin Pdf

From Habitability to Life on Mars explores the current state of knowledge and questions on the past habitability of Mars and the role that rapid environmental changes may have played in the ability of prebiotic chemistry to transition to life. It investigates the role that such changes may have played in the preservation of biosignatures in the geological record and what this means for exploration strategies. Throughout the book, the authors show how the investigation of terrestrial analogs to early Martian habitats under various climates and environmental extremes provide critical clues to understand where, what and how to search for biosignatures on Mars. The authors present an introduction to the newest developments and state-of-the-art remote and in situ detection strategies and technologies that are being currently developed to support the upcoming ExoMars and Mars 2020 missions. They show how the current orbital and ground exploration is guiding the selection for future landing sites. Finally, the book concludes by discussing the critical question of the implications and ethics of finding life on Mars. Edited by the lead on a NASA project that searches for habitability and life on Mars leading to the Mars 2020 mission Presents the evidence, questions and answers we have today (including a summary of the current state of knowledge in advance of the ESA ExoMars and NASA Mars 2020 missions) Includes contributions from authors directly involved in past, current and upcoming Mars missions Provides key information as to how Mars rovers, such as ExoMars and Mars 2020, will address the search for life on Mars with their instrumentation

Author : Joyce A. Quinn,Susan L. Woodward
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 1211 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2015-02-03
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9798216076957

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Earth's Landscape [2 volumes] by Joyce A. Quinn,Susan L. Woodward Pdf

This unusual encyclopedia brings together in-depth information on more than 450 natural geographic features from around the world and offers an array of creative tools to promote critical thinking and classroom discussion. With Earth undergoing rapid environmental change, students and the general public alike should be knowledgeable about the world's geographic features. This authoritative, two-volume reference enables readers do just that. It describes continents and oceans; individual mountains, islands, caves, and rivers; and ecological entities such as wildlife refuges and national parks. Each entry provides a geographic overview of the feature's significance, location, description, geologic history, biota, protected areas, and environmental issues. But the coverage goes even deeper so that entries also discuss the cultural importance of each natural place, covering everything from indigenous beliefs to traditional folklore to contemporary legends. The encyclopedia stands apart from other works not only in the depth of its coverage but also in its range. It discusses lesser known as well as prominent geographical features and offers critical thinking aids that will help students see how the natural world relates to their daily lives. Teaching and learning tools include an appendix called "Opposing Viewpoints" that allows students to understand landforms involved in current conflicts and disputes as well as an "Activities/Discussion Questions" appendix.

Author : Elizabeth Leane,Jeffrey McGee
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 196 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2019-09-12
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780429770753

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Anthropocene Antarctica by Elizabeth Leane,Jeffrey McGee Pdf

Anthropocene Antarctica offers new ways of thinking about the ‘Continent for Science and Peace’ in a time of planetary environmental change. In the Anthropocene, Antarctica has become central to the Earth’s future. Ice cores taken from its interior reveal the deep environmental history of the planet and warming ocean currents are ominously destabilising the glaciers around its edges, presaging sea-level rise in decades and centuries to come. At the same time, proliferating research stations and tourist numbers challenge stereotypes of the continent as the ‘last wilderness.’ The Anthropocene brings Antarctica nearer in thought, entangled with our everyday actions. If the Anthropocene signals the end of the idea of Nature as separate from humans, then the Antarctic, long considered the material embodiment of this idea, faces a radical reframing. Understanding the southern polar region in the twenty-first century requires contributions across the disciplinary spectrum. This collection paves the way for researchers in the Environmental Humanities, Law and Social Sciences to engage critically with the Antarctic, fostering a community of scholars who can act with natural scientists to address the globally significant environmental issues that face this vitally important part of the planet.

Author : Nathalie A. Cabrol,Edmond A. Grin
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 410 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2010-09-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 0080931626

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Lakes on Mars by Nathalie A. Cabrol,Edmond A. Grin Pdf

On Earth, lakes provide favorable environments for the development of life and its preservation as fossils. They are extremely sensitive to climate fluctuations and to conditions within their watersheds. As such, lakes are unique markers of the impact of environmental changes. Past and current missions have now demonstrated that water once flowed at the surface of Mars early in its history. Evidence of ancient ponding has been uncovered at scales ranging from a few kilometers to possibly that of the Arctic ocean. Whether life existed on Mars is still unknown; upcoming missions may find critical evidence to address this question in ancient lakebeds as clues about Mars’ climate evolution and its habitability potential are still preserved in their sedimentary record. Lakes on Mars is the first review on this subject. It is written by leading planetary scientists who have dedicated their careers to searching and exploring the questions of water, lakes, and oceans on Mars through their involvement in planetary exploration, and the analysis of orbital and ground data beginning with Viking up to the most recent missions. In thirteen chapters, Lakes on Mars critically discusses new data and explores the role that water played in the evolution of the surface of Mars, the past hydrological provinces of the planet, the possibility of heated lake habitats through enhanced geothermal flux associated with volcanic activity and impact cratering. The book also explores alternate hypotheses to explain the geological record. Topographic, morphologic, stratigraphic, and mineralogic evidence are presented that suggest successions of ancient lake environments in Valles Marineris and Hellas. The existence of large lakes and/or small oceans in Elysium and the Northern Plains is supported both by the global distribution of deltaic deposits and by equipotential surfaces that may reflect their past margins. Whether those environments were conducive to life has yet to be demonstrated but from comparison with our planet, their sedimentary deposits may provide the best opportunity to find its record, if any. The final chapters explore the impact of climate variability on declining lake habitats in one of the closest terrestrial analogs to Mars at the Noachian/Hesperian transition, identify the geologic, morphologic and mineralogic signatures of ancient lakes to be searched for on Mars, and present the case for landing the Mars Science Laboratory mission in such an environment. First review on the subject by worldwide leading authorities in the field New studies with most recent data, new images, figures, and maps Most recent results from research in terrestrial analogs

Author : Jemma Wadham
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 264 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2022-10-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780691241814

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Ice Rivers by Jemma Wadham Pdf

A passionate eyewitness account of the mysteries and looming demise of glaciers—and what their fate means for our shared future The ice sheets and glaciers that cover one-tenth of Earth's land surface are in grave peril. High in the Alps, Andes, and Himalaya, once-indomitable glaciers are retreating, even dying. Meanwhile, in Antarctica, thinning glaciers may be unlocking vast quantities of methane stored for millions of years beneath the ice. In Ice Rivers, renowned glaciologist Jemma Wadham offers a searing personal account of glaciers and the rapidly unfolding crisis that they—and we—face. Taking readers on a personal journey from Europe and Asia to Antarctica and South America, Wadham introduces majestic glaciers around the globe as individuals—even friends—each with their own unique character and place in their community. She challenges their first appearance as silent, passive, and lifeless, and reveals that glaciers are, in fact, as alive as a forest or soil, teeming with microbial life and deeply connected to almost everything we know. They influence crucial systems on which people depend, from lucrative fisheries to fertile croplands, and represent some of the most sensitive and dynamic parts of our world. Their fate is inescapably entwined with our own, and unless we act to abate the greenhouse warming of our planet the potential consequences are almost unfathomable. A riveting blend of cutting-edge research and tales of encounters with polar bears and survival under the midnight sun, Ice Rivers is an unforgettable portrait of—and love letter to—our vanishing icy wildernesses.

Author : Joseph Seckbach,Helga Stan-Lotter
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 416 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2021-01-13
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781119591689

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Extremophiles as Astrobiological Models by Joseph Seckbach,Helga Stan-Lotter Pdf

The data in this book are new or updated, and will serve also as Origin of Life and evolutionary studies. Endospores of bacteria have a long history of use as model organisms in astrobiology, including survival in extreme environments and interplanetary transfer of life. Numerous other bacteria as well as archaea, lichens, fungi, algae and tiny animals (tardigrades, or water bears) are now being investigated for their tolerance to extreme conditions in simulated or real space environments. Experimental results from exposure studies on the International Space Station and space probes for up to 1.5 years are presented and discussed. Suggestions for extaterrestrial energy sources are also indicated. Audience Researchers and graduate students in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and astrobiology, as well as anyone interested in the search for extraterrestrial life and its technical preparations.