Mars Research Focuses on Salda Lake’s Geological Secrets

Similarities between Turkish lake and Martian crater offer insights into past water activity.

Scientists are increasingly focused on Turkey’s Lake Salda, as its unique magnesium carbonate deposits bear a striking resemblance to those found in Mars’ Jezero Crater, potentially unlocking secrets of the red planet’s watery past.

Collaboration for Martian Exploration

As NASA proceeds with its Mars missions, including the ongoing work of the Perseverance rover, researchers from Istanbul Technical University are contributing by studying the geology of Lake Salda and its surrounding Lakes Region. The work will support the **Rosalind Franklin** Mars rover mission.

A joint scientific effort between Istanbul Technical University’s Geomicrobiology-Biogeochemistry Laboratory and the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) at University College London will analyze rocks from the Lakes Region to glean new insights.

Unlocking Geochemical Data

The project involves using Pancam and Eccs devices, along with their emulators at MSSL, to analyze the rocks. Via remote detection methods, researchers aim to uncover geochemical and geological data, revealing details about how magnesium carbonate forms on Mars.

According to the United States Geological Survey, magnesium carbonates are important because their presence can indicate past or present aqueous environments, which are critical for the potential development of life. USGS News Release

The Significance of Lake Salda

Dr. Nurgül Balcı, the Research Group Leader at Istanbul Technical University’s Faculty of Mining Department of Geological Engineering Department of Geomicrobiology-Biogeochemistry, told AA correspondent that they would be collecting diverse rock samples from Lake Salda and the broader Lakes Region.

Dr. Balcı noted the prevalence of magnesium carbonates on Mars, explaining, “Magnesium carbonates, which are common in the Lakes Region, may have been formed in many different ways. Each of these formations leaves different traces on the rocks.”

She added that the existing collaborative efforts at the Mars Laboratory at University College London made a joint study a logical step.

Dr. Balcı stated that they would gather samples from various rocks within the Lakes Region, explaining, “There are spectral analyzes (through light) on the **Rosalind Franklin’s** prick, we will apply the same analyzes to the rocks here. So we will try to compare the geological data of these rocks and geological data.”

“Salda was the scientific gate to such studies for us”

Dr. Balcı emphasized the challenges of understanding Martian rocks without a terrestrial point of reference.

“Carbonates on Mars say to us that ‘there were very deep water effects, rivers, large water circulation. I have formed as a result’ but as a result of this formation, we need more detailed data in order to understand the result of this formation. We will combine, use remote detection methods, and match similar rocks.”

Dr. Balcı identified Lake Salda as a prime example, calling it the scientific gate opened for such studies for them.

She further noted the unexpectedly high degree of geological and mineralogical similarities within the Lakes Region.

Dr. Balcı believes that the study will not only contribute to the search for extraterrestrial life but also spark scientific curiosity in young researchers.