Curiosity's Mars Crater Was Once a Vast Lake

astroengine writes The mountain that NASA's Mars rover Curiosity is exploring appears to have once been a lake, scientists said Monday. Mount Sharp, a three-mile-high mound of layered debris rising from the floor of Gale Crater, is believed to have formed billions of years ago, images posted on NASA's website ahead of conference call with reporters show. Sediments to create the mountain likely originated from the crater rim highlands and were transported toward the center of the crater in alluvial fans, deltas, and wind-blown drifts, scientists said. "During wet periods, water pooled in lakes where sediments settled out in the center of crater," NASA said. "Even during dry periods in the crater center, groundwater would have existed beneath the surface. Then, during the next wet period it would resurface to form the next lake. This alternation of lakes, rivers and deserts could have represented a long-lasting habitable environment."

Comments

Great

[RobinH]

So why is it so hard to find fossilized evidence of previous life then?

Re:Great

[rockout]

Perhaps because evidence of water does not guarantee life was ever present in that water.

Re:Great

[edibobb]

Fossils are not that common on earth. Pick a random place on earth, then do about as much looking around as a Rover can do. You'll be very lucky to find a fossil.