Geologic alteration and life in an extreme environment Puu Waiau, Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Author:

Allen, Carlton C., Morris, Richard V., Golden, D. C., Upchurch, Cynthia S.

Title:

Geologic alteration and life in an extreme environment Puu Waiau, Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Periodical:

Workshop on Early Mars: Geologic and Hydrologic Evolution, Physical and Chemical Environments, and the Implications for Life

Year:

1997

Subject:

Mars atmosphere Mars (Planet) Geology Hydrology Geochemistry Crusts Mauna Kea

Summary:

Puu Waiau, a cinder cone located near the summit of Mauna Kea volcano is studied. Volcanic ash and lapilli which form the cone have been hydrothermally changed to a material with a reflectance spectrum close to that of the martian bright regions. An extremely limited ecosystem, consisting mainly of bacteria, is found in the water of Lake Waiau and the rocks. Puu Waiau provides an opportunity to study geologic alteration and life in an environment similar to that on early Mars.

URL:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/earlymars/pdf/3060.pdf

Date:

April 24–27, 1997

Collection:

Monographs