Geomarkers versus Biomarkers: Paleoenvironmental and Astrobiological Significance.

The article focuses on the importance of recognizing and quantifying carbon related compounds and the importance of recognizing and quantifying biomarkers and geomarkers in the study of early Earth rocks and minerals and other planetary materials such as asteroids and meteorites. The definitions of biomarkers and geomarkers are discussed. A discussion of the methods which are used in exploring fossil records on earth and on Mars is presented. The importance of mineralogy and geology to space exploration and research is examined.