Through an elaborate examination of lava tubes—caves that form when lava cools after a volcanic eruption—an international group of researchers has discovered important insights about ancient Earth environments, which could be crucial in the hunt for life on Mars.
Through an elaborate examination of lava tubes—caves that form when lava cools after a volcanic eruption—an international group of researchers has discovered important insights about ancient Earth environments, which could be crucial in the hunt for life on Mars.
Bogdan P. Onac, a professor at the USF School of Geosciences, worked alongside researchers from Portugal, Spain, and Italy to highlight the potential of lava tubes as informative models for Martian caves and the quest for alien life.
On the Spanish island of Lanzarote, located just west of North Africa, the team investigated six lava tubes to collect various mineral deposits. Some of these tubes are so expansive that they are even utilized for underground concerts.
“Although the lava tubes on Lanzarote were discovered years ago, we are the first to conduct such an extensive study on the minerals and microorganisms present,” Onac remarked.
The findings, published in Communications Earth & Environment, involved utilizing a variety of sophisticated techniques, such as molecular, isotopic, and mineralogical analyses, to scrutinize the deposits and develop a thorough understanding of the minerals found there. They discovered that the volcanic rock within the lava tubes created a protective setting, which safeguarded the minerals and organic compounds from weathering, essentially preserving them as evidence of ancient ecosystems.
The team identified preserved biosignatures, including calcium and sodium sulfates. This suggests that microbial activity and microorganisms, such as bacteria, thrived in these caves in the past.
“This research enhances our comprehension of Earth’s geological and environmental transformations and emphasizes lava tubes as potential safe havens for microbial life. This has major implications for astrobiology, particularly for spotting biosignatures on Mars and other celestial bodies,” Onac explained.
Given that Martian lava tubes likely share similar protective qualities and may host sulfate-rich minerals, they could also offer evidence of ancient microbial life, providing insights into the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. These discoveries might significantly influence the methodologies of scientists exploring planets, especially with upcoming missions focused on assessing Mars’ habitability.
The research team plans to publish additional studies regarding these lava tubes in the upcoming months and is also gearing up to investigate newly formed lava tubes in Iceland.
