Sedimentary minerals on mars as possible signs of biogenic processes of the planet

NASA published data on Mars rovers’ missions results were analyzed. Emphasis is placed on hydrothermal-sedimentary and sedimentary minerals found by rovers in different parts of the planet: aluminosilicates (nontronite, montmorillo-nite, kaolinite), sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite), iron-sulfates (yarosite), iron oxides and hydroxide minerals, and carbonates. The formation of the listed minerals in terrestrial conditions is considered. It has been shown that on Earth, the micro-biota in the form of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms is actively involved in the formation of those minerals. Thus, sedimentary minerals established on Mars can be witnesses of biogenic processes that existed on a planet in the distant past. © 2021, Univelt Inc. All rights reserved.