A new study published in Nature Astronomy reveals that thick clay layers on Mars formed alongside standing bodies of liquid water, creating a stable environment that could have supported microbial life billions of years ago. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin analyzed 150 known clay deposits on Mars and found that most of them were near former lakes and similar to those on Earth.
The team discovered that these clay layers were rich in minerals and formed in areas with minimal topographic uplift, making them stable and habitable environments for life. The findings suggest that the Martian clays may hold clues to understanding how life existed or evolved on the Red Planet. While there are still many unanswered questions about Martian geology, this study provides new insights into the potential for life on Mars.
The researchers found that the formation of Martian clays was different from those on Earth due to the absence of plate tectonics on Mars. The planet’s volcanoes released carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which interacted with water and other minerals, forming clays similar to those on Earth. However, the lack of fresh rock and chemical reactions may have contributed to the scarcity of carbonates on Mars.
The study’s lead author, Rhianna Moore, noted that stable terrain is essential for preserving life, and areas with minimal topographic uplift are likely to be habitable environments. The researchers also discovered that some international teams had previously found evidence of carbonates in Martian rocks, which could provide further insights into the Red Planet’s geological history.
The findings of this study offer a new perspective on the search for life on Mars, and further research is needed to understand the implications of these discoveries.
Source: https://earthsky.org/space/clays-on-mars-water-habitability-microbes-astrobiology