Geomicromorphologies from fossil spring deposits of desert areas: an astrobiological potential still largely unexplored

none8siDiverse morphologies and deposits interpreted as the product of hydrothermal systems have been reported on Mars [e.g., 1, 2]. Spring deposits are features of prime interest to astrobiologists and Mars planetary scientists because of their potential in recording the paleohydrology of the planet and in the preservation of biotic processes, if any. Therefore, they are important targets for the landing site selection process and developing technologies for future Mars landing missions. In a number of terrestrial sites, fossil spring deposits allow to recognize geomorphologies directly related to biological activity. One such site is the desert area of the Skoura region (southern Morocco) where dry climate and lack vegetation cover allows the excellent exposure of a few hundred meters long, wide ridge of low temperature spring deposits – travertines of Quaternary age [3, 4]. A combination of detailed field and analytical investigations allow to assign specific microfacies and distinctive diagenetic textures to a given facies of depositional environments, and to recognize a cause-effect relationship for a number of morphological, geochemical and organic life signals. At Skoura the Fe-Mn rich microstromatolitic structures known as Frutexites (Maslov, 1960) represent a paradigmatic example of a recurring, microbial-derived microstructure associated to water flow facies, and well detectable through some of the equipment available to the Mars rovers.noneCavalazzi B.; Barbieri R.; Schneiderman J.S.; Gasparotto G.; Walker J.; Foschi L.; Hoch O.; Dal Pozzolo F.Cavalazzi B.; Barbieri R.; Schneiderman J.S.; Gasparotto G.; Walker J.; Foschi L.; Hoch O.; Dal Pozzolo F