The utility of measurements of C-13/C-12 ratios in organic vs inorganic deposits for searching for signs of life on early Mars is considered. It is suggested that three assumptions are necessary. First, if there was life on Mars, it caused the fractionation of carbon isotopes in analogy with past biological activity on earth. Second, the fractionation would be detectable. Third, if a fractionation would be observed, there exist no abiotic explanations for the observed fractionation pattern.
Stable carbon isotope fractionation in the search for life on early Mars
1989-01-01
Sonstige
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Stable carbon isotope fractionation in the search for life on early mars
Elsevier | 1989
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