Volcanic caves research advances the search for life on Mars
Through the intricate study of lava tubes—caves formed following volcanic eruptions when lava cools down—an international team of researchers has uncovered clues about Earth's ancient environments that could be significant ...
Bogdan P. Onac, professor in the USF School of Geosciences, collaborated with researchers from Portugal, Spain and Italy to shed light on how lava tubes may serve as valuable analogs for Martian caves and the search for extraterrestrial life.
On the Spanish island of Lanzarote, just west of North Africa, the team explored six lava tubes to gather mineral deposits. Some of the tubes are so large, they are used to host underground concerts.
"While the lava tubes on Lanzarote were discovered several years ago, we are the first to complete such a detailed study of minerals and microorganisms," Onac said.
In the study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, Onac and the team used a range of advanced molecular, isotopic and mineralogical techniques to examine the deposits and create a comprehensive understanding of the minerals they held.
They learned the volcanic rock in the lava tubes created a protective environment that helped shield the minerals and organic compounds from weathering, ultimately preserving the minerals as records of past ecosystems.
Organic-rich sulfate deposits can be seen in a lava tube from Lanzarote, Spain. Credit: Bogdan Onac
Corresponding author Ana Z. Miller collects samples for microbiological investigations. Patches of colonies can be seen all over the lava tube. Credit: Bogdan Onac