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N. G. Barlow (U. Central FL), T. Farr (JPL), V. R. Baker (U. AZ), N. Bridges, F. Carsey, N Duxbury (JPL), M. S. Gilmore (Wesleyan), J. R. Green (JPL), E. Grin (NASA Ames), V. Hansen (SMU), L. Keszthelyi, P. Lanagan (U. AZ), R. Lentz (U. TN), L. Marinangeli (IRSPS), P. A. Morris (U. Houston), G. G. Ori (IRSPS), P. Paillou (U. Bordeaux), C. Robinson (Boston U.), B. Thomson (Brown)
It is well recognized that interpretations of Mars must begin with the Earth as a reference. The most successful comparisons have focused on understanding geologic processes on the Earth well enough to extrapolate to Mars' environment. Several facets of terrestrial analog studies have been pursued and are continuing. These studies include field workshops, characterization of terrestrial analog sites for Mars, instrument tests, laboratory measurements (including analysis of martian meteorites), and computer and laboratory modeling. The combination of all these activities allows scientists to constrain the processes operating in specific terrestrial environments and extrapolate how similar processes could affect Mars. The Terrestrial Analogs for Mars Community Panel is considering the following two key questions: (1) How do terrestrial analog studies tie in to the MEPAG science questions about life, past climate, and geologic evolution of Mars, and (2) How can future instrumentation be used to address these questions. The panel is considering the issues of data collection, value of field workshops, data archiving, laboratory measurements and modeling, human exploration issues, association with other areas of solar system exploration, and education and public outreach activities.