Life left its mark in the Martian rock layers. It may have had a tough time getting started in the ancient environment, examined by NASA’s Opportunity rover. The challenges life may have faced in the harsh Martian environment, is revealed by the most thorough analysis yet of the rover’s discoveries. The Meridiani Planum region of Mars was sometimes wet, strongly acidic and oxidizing. Scientists have been able to deduce these conditions.
Scientists analyzed data about stacked sedimentary rock layers 23 feet thick, exposed inside “Endurance Crater.” They identified three divisions within the stack. The lowest, oldest portion had the signature of dry sand dunes; the middle portion, windblown sheets of sand with all the particles produced in part by previous evaporation of liquid water. The upper portion corresponded to layers Opportunity found earlier inside a smaller crater near its landing site. Materials in all three divisions were wet both before and after the layers were deposited by either wind or water.
Via: NASA News, Science Daily
NASA Rover Helps Reveal Possible Secrets of Martian Life
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