Assessing Potential Mars Landing Sites Based on Groundwater-Induced Hydrated Mineralogy and Geomorphology

As the thorough exploration of Mars H2O, identifying the existence of a Martian biosphere becomes imperative. This paper discussing hydrated minerals on Mars offers a critical pathway to assessing its past habitability and potential subsurface biosphere. This study presents a multi-criteria evaluation of three candidate landing sites—Danielson Crater, Aram Chaos, and southwest Arabia Terra—selected for their scientific relevance to aqueous processes and their compliance with engineering constraints for future surface missions. Using integrated datasets from CRISM, HiRISE, MOLA, and other orbital instruments, the analysis emphasizes morphological diversity, mineralogical signatures, and preservation potential. Danielson Crater is identified as the most favorable site, combining well-preserved stratigraphy with strong evidence of phyllosilicate-rich layered deposits. This framework can serve as a reference for future Mars exploration missions targeting signs of past groundwater activity and habitability.