What Can Martian Geology Tell Us About Earth's Ancient Twin?

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The discussion centers on the geological history of Mars, highlighting two significant eras: the Phyllocian era, which lasted from the planet's formation to about four billion years ago, characterized by clay-rich minerals indicating a water-abundant alkaline environment, and the Theiikian era, marked by a shift to sulphate minerals due to volcanic activity. This transition is believed to have occurred around four billion years ago. The upcoming Exomars mission is expected to target clay-rich mineral sites identified by the Mars Express survey, as these locations may hold micro-fossils. The importance of citing sources in discussions is also noted.
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'The first age, the Phyllocian era, lasted from just after the planet's birth to about four billion years ago. Ancient rocks show the presence of clay-rich minerals - phyllosilicates - which to form would have required a water-abundant alkaline environment.
Volcanoes erupt
The second era emerged after a dramatic shift in the Martian climate. Now sulphate minerals dominated and the researchers have labelled this the Theiikian era, named after the Greek for sulphate.
The team believes the change in mineral composition was caused by volcanic activity around four billion years ago.' BBC April 2006

So a likely target for forthcoming Exomars mission for micro-fossils would seem to be such delineated clay-rich mineral sites as detected by the Mars Express survey.
 
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Agreed.
 

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