Canadian Underground Water Helps Study Life on Mars

Scientists have discovered pockets of water 1.5 miles (2.4 km) deep in Ontario, Canada. Reserves appear to have been there for at least 1.5 billion years, and researchers believe that the rocks surrounding the water are very similar to those found on the soil of Mars and may harbor life.

According to an article published in the portal Terra, scientists stated that this water contains gases such as hydrogen, methane and helium. In this case, the amount of hydrogen is similar to that found in the depths of the ocean, a region with a wide variety of microscopic life.

Similarities

Image Source: Playback / Earth

By the similarity of the deep-ground rocks of Ontario to those of Mars, scientists hope to uncover what kind of life may have existed - or still exists - on the Red Planet. The rock material that will also be studied is 2.7 billion years old.

University of Manchester Professor Chris Ballentine explained that the Canadian underground rocks are even life-holding and that this can help scientists understand the evolution of microorganisms in isolated locations, which is critical for constant research into the origin of life on earth and the possible existence of life on other planets.