Mars Has Features That Look Very Similar To Life Bearing Hot Springs On Earth
Mars Has Features That Look Very Similar To Life Bearing Hot Springs On Earth
Published: 18 Nov , 2016
by Evan Gough
Rock formations near hot spring discharge channels at El Tatio, Chile, shown in this image, bear a striking
resemblance to formations in the Gusev Crater on Mars. Image: Steven W. Ruff, Jack D. Farmer
A type of rock formation found on Mars may be some of the best evidence yet for life on that planet, according to a new study at Nature.com. The formations in question are in the Gusev Crater. When Spirit examined the spectra of the formations, scientists found that they closely match those of formations at El Tatio in Northern Chile.
The significance of that match? The El Tatio formations were produced by a combination of living and non-living processes.
The Gusev Crater is a large crater that formed 3 to 4 billion years ago. It’s an old crater lake bed, with sediments up to 3,000 feet thick. Gusev also has exposed rock formations which show evidence of layering. A system of water channels called Ma’adim Vallis flows into Gusev, which could account for the deep sediments.
When it comes to evidence for the existence of life on Mars, and on early Earth, researchers often focus on hydrothermal spring deposits. These deposits can capture and preserve the biosignatures of early life. You can’t find evidence of ancient life just anywhere because geologic processes erase it. This is why El Tatio has received so much attention.
More:
http://www.universetoday.com/131994/mars-features-look-similar-life-bearing-hot-springs-earth/
