NASA scientists study carbonate rocks

Published: July 9, 2009 at 5:51 PM

WASHINGTON, July 9 (UPI) -- NASA and the Canadian Space Agency are inviting the public to see an ongoing international research project investigating the origin of rare carbonate rocks.

The Tuesday event will take place at Pavilion Lake, located in British Columbia. Officials said such carbonate rock structures thrive in the lake's freshwater.

NASA underwater vehicles and scuba divers involved in the project, which started in 2004, are studying the underwater formations and conducting research about life in extreme environments with the goal of advancing astrobiology knowledge.

"Scientists believe the carbonate rock structures, known as microbialites, first were formed by micro-organisms more than 2.5 billion years ago," NASA said in a statement. "Today, environments rich in microbialites are seen as potential analogs for the biological, geological and chemical processes of early Earth. Similar processes possibly occurred on other planets, such as Mars."

More project information is available at http://www.pavilionlake.com.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Comic-Con architect Dorf dead at age 76 (8 min)
Deal struck to end Philly transit strike
Accused bigamist says he didn't say 'I do'
Rare bottle of whiskey stolen
UPI NewsTrack Business
Wal-Mart prepares for Christmas price cuts
Song leads at LPGA's Mizuno Classic
fark
That papaya you were about to eat? Its a trap
Nearly two-thirds of workers over 50 say they will have to delay their retirement due to the economy....
Congratulations, Atlanta: Your city is the most toxic in the United States
Carl Sagan hould have turned 75 today. Here's a little thing he threw together called "Cosmos"
Closing time--one last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer. Closing time--you don't...
ABCNews wants to teach you how to be a better criminal