Terraforming: a review for environmentalists (original) (raw)

A Synergic Approach to Terraforming Mars

JBIS, 1992

A two-stage terraforming scenario is outlined for Mars. The approach adopted differs from past methodology in two ways. It adopts a more conservative and plausible Martian volatile inventory. Possible planetary engineering solutions, including possible synergic use of terraforming techniques, are examined in detail. In the first stage, the Martian environment is modified to a state where it can support microbial and hardy plant life in approximately 200 years. While this step is conceptually similar to past scenarios, it differs greatly in detail. The second stage deals with the creation of conditions tolerable for human beings over a period of approximately 21,000 years. It is concluded that terraforming Mars is possible but not by the passive, or near-spontaneous, methods favored by some workers. A powerful industrial effort is required both on the planet's surface and in space as will be continuing technological intervention to stabilize the postterraformed regime.

Terraforming Mars: A review of current research

Advances in Space Research, 1998

It is possible in the future that Mars might be transformed into a habitable planet by a process of global environmental engineering known as terraforming. This paper provides a thumb-nail sketch of the terraforming concepts that have appeared in the technical literature, focussing on the steps required in order to render Mars fir for anaerobic life. Its intention is the provide a referenced guide of progress to date for any future researchers of the subject.

Planetary Biology and Terraforming

Planetary biology can be considered in terms of four components: (1) planetary protection, (2) the search for life, (3) human life support and (4) ecopoiesis and terraforming. Initially, contamination of a planet with Earth life is to be minimized in order to facilitate a search for planetary life. Meanwhile, humans, if present, must be sustained. Subsequently, large-scale modifications of a planetary environment can be considered. “Ecopoiesis” is a term introduced by McKay and Haynes to describe the initiation of a living, self-sustaining ecosystem in a planetary (Mars) environment. “Ecosynthesis” refers to the development of an ecosystem that includes succession (ecosystem maturation by the replacement of organisms). “Terraforming” refers to creating an Earth-like world and includes planetary engineering. A considerable amount of debate, discussion and publication has been devoted to these subjects, but, at least in the case of ecopoiesis, there has been very little, if any, experimental research. The speakers in this session address, in order, issues of planetary environments and habitability with reference to Earth analogues, the role of extremophiles as pioneer organisms in ecopoiesis, and the concept of succession

Exploration of the Future Habitability of Mars

JBIS, 1995

Aspects of currently understood planetology relevant to the possibility of terraforming Mars are reviewed. Evidence that Mars may have been naturally habitable in the past, for at least anaerobic life, is supportive of the feasibility of rendering the planet habitable in the future. The physical and the chemical state of the intrinsic resources needed for such a task and their whereabouts are less certain. However, what constraints can be placed provide a context in which superficially realistic terraforming models can be proposed. It is argued that the detailed knowledge needed in order to assess the ultimate realism of terraforming requires the presence of a permanently established population, exploring Mars as part of living there.

Dynamics of a Terraformed Martian Biosphere

JBIS, 1993

The outcome of terraforming on Mars is examined by considering the function of its biosphere. By borrowing a life-support model of the Earth's biosphere, scenarios of ecopoiesis and full terraforming are contrasted in terms of their energy flow and matter cycling. It is argued that Martian colonists are unlikely to be satisfied with the services provided by the anaerobic biosphere produced by ecopoiesis and that full terraforming will be the specific goal of planetary engineering. The distance of Mars from the sun and its probable lack of a closed rock cycle will require small scale, conscious intervention in biogeochemical cycles to maintain the habitability of the planet. Vernadsky's concept of the noosphere (an envelope of mind) will thus have more relevance to Mars as an abode of life than Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis.