Gregory R. Bock & Jamie A. Goode 
Evolution of Hydrothermal Ecosystems on Earth (and Mars?) [PDF ebook] 

This book explores the possibility that life exists on Mars. It provides an interdisciplinary overview of the early evolution of life in hydrothermal ecosystems on Earth, focusing on the problem of remote sensing and incorporating geological work relevant to the search for evidence of early life on Earth and Mars. It discusses the belief that studying thermal spring deposits as part of this search may be the best opportunity to test whether life on earth is a 'unique experiment, ’ or whether there is life elsewhere in the solar system.

Spis treści

Partial table of contents:

Hydrothermal Systems as Environments for the Emergence of Life
(E. Shock).

Chemical and Physical Context for Life in Terrestrial
Hydrothermal Systems: Chemical Reactors for the Early Development
of Life and Hydrothermal Ecosystems (R. Henley).

Ancient Hydrothermal Ecosystems on Earth: A New Palaeobiological
Frontier (M. Walter).

The Rhynie Cherts: An Early Devonian Ecosystem Preserved by
Hydrothermal Activity (N. Trewin).

The Role of Remote Sensing in Finding Hydrothermal Mineral
Deposits on Earth (J. Huntington).

Exploration Strategies for Hydrothermal Deposits (R. Horn).

Water on Early Mars (M. Carr).

The Transfer of Viable Microorganisms Between Planets (P.
Davies).

Indexes.

O autorze

The Novartis Foundation is an international scientific and educational charity which promotes the study and general knowledge of science and in particular encourages international co-operation in scientific research.