![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/trilogoASA-CSSA-SSSA.svg)
Title: CrossDiv Symposium--Interplanetary Resources and Extraterrestrial Pedogenesis: Uniting the Fields of Soil and Planetary Science
Lead Community Sponsor:
Cosponsor: SSSA Division: Soil Mineralogy, SSSA Division: Pedology, SSSA Division: Soil Chemistry, SSSA Division: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, SSSA Division: Soil Physics and Hydrology
Community Cosponsor:
Format: Oral Symposium
Keywords:
Session Description: The emerging field of astropedology is the study of ancient soils on Earth and of other planetary bodies. Decades of space exploration have examined the physics, chemistry and mineralogy of extraterrestrial soils and soil-like unconsolidated materials. The interdisciplinary nature of astropedology draws upon knowledge from both soil and planetary science to address topics ranging from mechanisms of pedogenesis on planetary bodies to extraterrestrial agriculture. Understanding the genesis and composition of extraterrestrial soils is critical for the success of future inhabitation of extraterrestrial surfaces, investigation of ancient climates of planetary bodies, and the detection of extinct or extant life on planetary surfaces. Knowledge of extraterrestrial surface processes and compositions have been used to mimic materials and structures for construction that are inherently resilient against their local environment, develop soil analogues, and assess suitability for crop growth. Soils identified on extraterrestrial surfaces also play a key role in designing sustainable means of construction, farming, and in-situ resource utilization necessary for human habitation. In this symposium, speakers will discuss pedogenic processes across Earth, Moon, and/or Mars, the potentials of in-situ resource utilization and sustainable design, and the capacity of extraterrestrial soils to facilitate farming in extreme environmental conditions.