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NASA Astrobiology Institute Field Workshop Biosignatures in Ancient Rocks (BAR)
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada September 18-20, 2007 (Workshop) September 21-27, 2007 (A, B, and C Field Trips) Sponsored by the Agouron Institute (AGI), the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Laurentian University, Ontario Geological Survey, and the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI.)
Program Field Trips Participants Abstracts References Field Guides BAR Workshop Photos BAR Report
Scope Astrobiologists recognize a variety of morphological, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics in ancient sedimentary rocks and soils that may be used to decipher the history of life and environment in which it evolved here on Earth and on other planets. These potential “biosignatures” include, but are not restricted to: microfossils and microbialites (stromatolites); carbon skeletons derived from biomolecules (biomarkers); the isotopic compositions of C, N, H and other elements in organic matter; sulfur isotope ratios of minerals; and the relative abundances and isotopic compositions of redox-sensitive elements (Fe, Mo, Cr, and REEs).
Nevertheless, debate continues as to whether some or all of these characteristics are real, false, or even comprehensive signatures of life, particular organisms, and/or specific environments, because the existing data were collected from geologic formations that are restricted in both space and time. For example, knowledge of the Archean world (~3.8 to 2.5 billion years ago) world has come mainly from investigations of regions in Africa (Barberton greenstone belt and Kaapvaal craton) and Australia (Pilbara greenstones and Hamersley basin) that may have been together prior to rifting about 1.4 billion years ago. Thus, the goal of this workshop is to promote the Archean and Proterozoic systems in Ontario as the first of other terrains for the study of ancient biomarkers in an astrobiological context.
Organizing committee Hiroshi Ohmoto, Pennsylvania State University (Chair) Bruce Runnegar, University of California, Los Angeles Lee Kump, Pennsylvania State University Marilyn Fogel, Carnegie Institution of Washington Balz Kamber, Laurentian University J. Andy Fyon, Ontario Geological Survey
Program for the Sudbury Workshop The workshop will be limited to approximately 50 astrobiologists and is aimed mainly at young researchers who have been actively investigating topics relevant to ancient biosignatures as well current graduate students who have the potential to become the future leaders in this rapidly expanding field. Specific objectives of the workshop include the following:
Confirmed Lecturers Ariel Anbar, Arizona State University Marilyn Fogel, Carnegie Institution of Washington Katherine Freeman, Pennsylvania State University Hans Hofmann, McGill University Heinrich Holland, Harvard University Clark Johnson, University of Wisconsin Balz Kamber, Laurentian University Paul Knauth, Arizona State University Lee Kump, Pennsylvania State University Donald Lowe, Stanford University Hiroshi Ohmoto, Pennsylvania State University Shuhei Ono, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Bruce Runnegar, University of California, Los Angeles William Schopf, University of California, Los Angeles Dawn Sumner, University of California, Davis Malcolm Walter, Macquarie University
Estimated costs Registration fee - $200 Option A field trip - $50 per person Option B field trip - $300/$450 (double/single occupancy) Option C field trip - $800/$1,100 (double/single occupancy) Transport, accommodations, and meals are included in all field trip cost estimates.
Travel grants Travel grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 per person will be awarded to approximately 35 graduate students, postdoctoral associates, or early-career geoscientists, selected on the basis of qualification and need. Preference will be given to those who intend to participate in the longer field trips (options B and C).
Timetable July 15 – Deadline for expression of interest August 5 – Deadline for payment of non-refundable $200 deposit to reserve space at the Sudbury workshop and $300 (or $450) for Excursion B, and $800 (or $1100) for Excursion C. August 15 – Deadline for payment in full for Sudbury workshop and field trips Contact information Address all enquiries to: Ms. Linda Altamura PSARC, 435 Deike Bldg., University Park, PA 16802 Tel: 814-863-8761, Fax: 814-863-2001 e-mail: lxg2@psu.edu |
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The Penn State Astrobiology Research Center is funded by NASA, The Pennsylvania State University and other sources.
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