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<p>As humanity prepares for Mars settlement, identifying safe environments is crucial. While the Martian surface is inhospitable due to exogenic radiation and extreme temperatures, the subsurface offers protection. However, to search for extant or extinct life and mitigate forward and backward contamination risks, we must assess endogenic ionizing radiation from crustal heat-producing elements (potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U)). Our present understanding of the lateral and vertical distribution of ionizing radiation hazards in the martian near-surface is incomplete. In this study, we present radiation dosage estimates calculated using orbitally-derived K, Th, and U abundances to assess the ionizing radiation environment at various crustal depths, including the shallow subsurface (10 m). By mapping this lateral and vertical heterogeneity, we identify the locations most amenable to human settlement and pinpoint ideal environments that favor long-term microbial survival.</p>

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Endogenic ionizing radiation in the martian subsurface: implications to habitability

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月4日

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  • Carlos E. Gary-Bicas,
  • Nandita Kumari,
  • Matthew R. M. Izawa,
  • Suniti Karunatillake

摘要

As humanity prepares for Mars settlement, identifying safe environments is crucial. While the Martian surface is inhospitable due to exogenic radiation and extreme temperatures, the subsurface offers protection. However, to search for extant or extinct life and mitigate forward and backward contamination risks, we must assess endogenic ionizing radiation from crustal heat-producing elements (potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U)). Our present understanding of the lateral and vertical distribution of ionizing radiation hazards in the martian near-surface is incomplete. In this study, we present radiation dosage estimates calculated using orbitally-derived K, Th, and U abundances to assess the ionizing radiation environment at various crustal depths, including the shallow subsurface (10 m). By mapping this lateral and vertical heterogeneity, we identify the locations most amenable to human settlement and pinpoint ideal environments that favor long-term microbial survival.