Why NASA scientists are diving into icy lakes to find Martian life
In short: To find life on Mars, scientists first have to get their boots dirty in Iceland. By treating the island's volcanic deserts and glacial valleys as terrestrial analogs, NASA teams refine the tools and instincts needed to decode the secrets of the Red Planet.
NASA utilizes Iceland as a terrestrial analog because its geology, chemistry, and environmental conditions mirror those of other planets and moons. Specifically, the island's basalt-dominated terrain and diverse volcanic environments allow researchers to simulate Martian processes. For instance, the DIGMARS team studies how Icelandic lakes can inform scientists about the surface and groundwater processes of early Mars, with a particular focus on locations like the Gale and Jezero craters.
The research is highly specialized, involving multiple teams with distinct objectives. Team Atomic investigates how minerals and chemistry in hydrothermal vent deposits evolve over time to determine if Martian landscapes can be identified from orbit. Meanwhile, Team SulpHur studies native sulfur—a pure mineral first discovered by the Curiosity rover in 2024—to solve the mystery of how it formed in Gale crater. Other teams, such as Team Lava and Team Ice, study fresh volcanic vents and buried ice to prepare for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
These field expeditions are physically demanding, requiring scientists to hike through hail, navigate rugged terrain, and perform underwater dives in 40-degree water. By collecting samples from submerged rocks and muddy riverbeds, they train for the high-stakes work of identifying biosignatures and interpreting rock histories. This 'geologic detective work' ensures that when rovers like Perseverance operate on Mars, the scientific intuition guiding them has been sharpened by real-world experience on Earth.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Exploring Iceland Like It’s Mars: NASA Scientists Test Life-Seeking Strategies
- Also: NASA Fieldwork Spotlight: Iceland
- Also: DIGMARS
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