Lagoons in the middle of the desert, located in northwestern Argentina's Buna de Atacama, reveal an intriguing “alien ecosystem,” reports researchers who made the surprising discovery via satellite imagery.
Green mounds of stromatolites bloom at the bottom of a pond in Buna de Atacama, Argentina. Photo: University of Boulder.
The Buna de AtacamaLocated at an altitude of about 4,500 meters above sea level and shared Argentina Y Chileturned out to be the scene of a discovery that could provide clues about Existence of primitive life on MarsRed planet.
As the special site explains SpaceScientists discovered this “Lost World” After accidentally spotting a network of strange pools of water in satellite images taken in northwestern Argentina.
Scientists have identified rocky mounds in these never-before-seen pools Microorganisms It, at first glance, resembles some of the first forms of life Earth. In this inhospitable environment, characterized by its high altitude and scorching sun, there is a dearth of plant and animal life.
tuesday Photo: Unsplash.
Brian HynekProfessor of Geological Sciences University of Colorado BoulderY Maria FariasMicrobiologist and co-founder of an environmental consulting firm BunapioThey traveled several kilometers through this arid landscape to reach the lakes.
At this discovery, Hynek expressed his surprise:It is unlike anything I have ever seen, or, indeed, any scientist has ever seen.…It was my biggest 'eureka moment'.”
The area studied by the researchers is spread out 10 desert hectares And there are a dozen shallow pools with crystal clear water. In the bed of these water bodies, small “Carpet Hills” Green microbial forms.
Microorganisms in the Buna de Atacama, Argentina. Photo: Space.com / Brian Hynek.
These living mounds, several meters high, offer an approach to the most ancient stages of life on Earth, says a US University researcher. Preliminary observations suggest they might StromatolitesGroups of microbes solidify their excreta into rock layers, similar to what they were in time. Archaic periodWhen Earth's atmosphere lacks oxygen.
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This remote area is described by researchers “Alien Environment”. The latest discovery may also provide clues about ancient biological activity beyond what is known about the planet, and in this sense, the expert noted: “If life on Mars ever evolved to the size of fossils, it would look like this”.
Also, understanding these modern societies on Earth will guide the search Similar characteristics in Mars.
According to the report, experts need to act quickly to confirm these initial observations, as the site needs to be exploited. Extraction of lithium. Hynek concluded “This unique ecosystem will disappear in a few years. “We hope to be able to protect some of these sites, or describe what's there before it disappears or is permanently disturbed.”
