Tittel:
Characteristics of Basaltic Weathering and the Implications for Early Life

Abstract:
Basalt is the most common rock type in the solar system. It represents the dark mare patches on the Moon, covers most of the surfaces of Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and it covers most of the surface of the Earth as well. In fact, basalt and basaltic volcanism was probably the primary mechanism for "feeding" life as it was developing, and studying the effects of weathering and sediment transport on basalt is important for understanding the surface characteristics of the terrestrial planets, and it has significant astrobiological implications, too. On the Earth, however, most occurrences of basalt occur on the seafloor, which is not easily accessible to study by scientists, and our understanding of basaltic weathering is poorly understood. In this short talk, the different characteristics of basaltic sediment that result from weathering in place to transport by wind, water, and ice will be discussed. This will be followed by an open discussion about the implications these observati
ons may have for our understanding of early life on both the Earth and Mars.

Dr. Craddock Bio sketch
Bob Craddock is one of the few people in the world who is a leading expert in both the geologic history of the Moon and Mars, and who also has experience working in the history of spaceflight. As a geologist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, he provided the first compelling evidence that rainfall occurred on early Mars, supporting the idea that Mars once had a warm and wet climate that was potentially suitable for life. He also proposed that Martian moons Phobos and Deimos were formed by a giant impact, which is becoming the accepted paradigm. He has conducted extensive Mars analog studies on the basaltic landscapes of Hawaii and fieldwork on the linear dunes in the Australian Outback. He received his first research grant at the age of 27, which makes him one of the youngest principal investigators in NASA history. In 2017, he was recognized by the American Geological Union as one of the most influential planetary scientists in the last 25 years. Dr.
Craddock also works with the Smithsonian Institution's Department of Space History and has helped to document the history of the manned and unmanned spacecraft collection. In 2003, his book on the Apollo 11 mission was awarded 1st prize for Best Educational Resource by the American Association of Museums. The fictional character Anne Clayborne in Kim Stanley Robinson's popular Red Mars science-fiction trilogy is based on Dr. Craddock's research background and scientific thinking.