Halo-Acidophilic Microorganisms in Western Australia
Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Major
Geological Engineering
Research Advisor
Mormile, Melanie R.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Biological Sciences Department
Abstract
The terrain and similar unusual mineral assemblages of Western Australia matches the aqueous environments that are likely to have occurred on early Mars. Specifically, acidic and saturated salt conditions were present in each of these environments. By isolating and characterizing microorganisms from evaporite minerals, it is possible to predict the possible lifeforms that could have occurred on Mars. The overall objective of our research has been to isolate microorganisms present in gypsum and halite salts originating from Lake Aerodrome in the Yilgarn Crater, Western Australia. Enrichments cultures, based upon the salt and pH conditions of this lake were developed. The resulting cultures will yield information that can be applied towards the understanding of possible previous life on Mars.
Biography
Emma Young is a Junior who started in Geology and Geochemistry then changed to Geological Engineering in Spring 2017. Her interests lies in planetary geology, relations between minerals and microbial life, and remote sensing.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium
Presentation Date
17 Apr 2018, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Halo-Acidophilic Microorganisms in Western Australia
Upper Atrium
The terrain and similar unusual mineral assemblages of Western Australia matches the aqueous environments that are likely to have occurred on early Mars. Specifically, acidic and saturated salt conditions were present in each of these environments. By isolating and characterizing microorganisms from evaporite minerals, it is possible to predict the possible lifeforms that could have occurred on Mars. The overall objective of our research has been to isolate microorganisms present in gypsum and halite salts originating from Lake Aerodrome in the Yilgarn Crater, Western Australia. Enrichments cultures, based upon the salt and pH conditions of this lake were developed. The resulting cultures will yield information that can be applied towards the understanding of possible previous life on Mars.
