Session Outline

Space and Planetary Sciences (P)
Session Sub-category		Planetary Sciences (PS)
Session ID		P-PS10
Title		Martian Evaporites: Windows into Ancient Climates and Cradles for Life
Short Title		Evaporites as Clues into Habitability
Main Convener	Name	Deepali Singh
	Affiliation	University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Co-Convener 1	Name	Subham Sarkar
	Affiliation	Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur
Session Language		E
Scope		Evaporite assemblages represent the ultimate phase of aqueous mineral formation on Mars prior to its transition to a hyper-arid state. This makes them critical records of its final paleoenvironmental conditions. Additionally, these deposits archive evidence for episodic wet and dry cycles, a process critically linked to the origin and evolution of life. On Earth, extreme environment analogs reveal evaporites as stubborn bastions of habitability, capable of protecting microorganisms and organic molecules from harsh UV radiation and desiccation. This dual role, as a recorder of climate and a protector of life, makes evaporite systems a primary target in the search for past or present life on Mars. This session will explore these unique deposits as both geochemical archives and potential habitats. We seek to advance comparative planetary science and guide future missions targeting biosignatures and invite contributions that (a) Examine evaporite-bearing regions on the Martian surface; (b) Characterize the microbial and organic molecule diversity in evaporite systems; (c) Explore limits of life and organic/mineral interactions essential for preservation of biosignatures; (d) Model the influence of evaporites on volatile cycling, habitability potential, and biosignature preservation.
Session Format		Orals and Posters session