groundwater Archives - Astrobiology

Zhurong rover and its lander -- CNSA

Mars

Zhurong Mars Rover Observations Primary Evaporite In Southern Utopia Planitia

by Keith CowingAugust 18, 2026August 19, 2026

[Nature] The Zhurong rover has identified a layer consisting of platy rocks enriched in hydrous minerals on a ~0.76-Ga surface in southern Utopia Planitia, indicating unexpected recent aqueous activity on […]

ESP_075413_1505 NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_075413_1505

Astrogeology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Status Report

Gullies On Martian Slopes

by Keith CowingJune 14, 2026June 26, 2026

The formation of gullies on Martian slopes is still under debate. Potential mechanisms include the melting of surface water ice, groundwater outbursts, or dry mass wasting processes (landslides).

Schematic diagram showing the relative depths of the CROMO well array, Quarry Valley and Core Shed Wells, with reference to the lithostratigraphic levels from CSW1-1 cores. Depth of the well, in meters, is shown below each well in the cartoon. In the field, water levels differed slightly. Stars suggest zones of inferred lateral flow of water from formation in CSW1-4 and QV1-3 . Redrawn after Cardace et al. (2013). -- Frontiers in Microbiology

Astrogeology, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Sample Return, Status Report

Lipid Biomarkers Reveal Dominance Of Aerobic Methanotrophy In A Continental Serpentinizing System

by Keith CowingApril 3, 2026April 3, 2026

Sources and sinks of methane within an advanced serpentinization-influenced system were investigated at the Coast Range Ophiolite Microbial Observatory (CROMO) in Lower Lake, California. Subsurface water-rock reactions at CROMO contribute […]

With the Munsell Soil Colour Chart the cores are described visually in colour and structure as acurately as possible. Photo: Diekamp@ECORD_IODP3_NSF Credit Diekamp@ECORD_IODP3_NSF

Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Press Release, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Extensive Freshened Water Beneath Earth’s Ocean Floor Confirmed For The First Time

by Keith CowingMarch 19, 2026March 19, 2026

The goal of this expedition went far beyond collecting sediment cores. Scientists also set out to sample the water stored within the sediments, including from sandy layers that act as […]

These bumpy nodules were formed by minerals left behind as groundwater was drying out on Mars billions of years ago. NASA’s Curiosity rover captured images of these pea-size features while exploring geologic formations called boxwork on Aug. 21, 2025. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

Analog Studies, Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Mars Curiosity Rover Observes Evidence Of Past Groundwater

by Keith CowingFebruary 23, 2026February 23, 2026

A hilly landscape that looks like spiderwebs when viewed from orbit holds clues to the history of water on ancient Mars.

An individual submarine chimney at a depth of roughly 30 m. -- Science of The Total Environment

Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

White Smokers On The Floor Of The Dead Sea

by Keith CowingNovember 15, 2024November 15, 2024

The Dead Sea is a highly dynamic system: Its level has been dropping by roughly one meter per year for more than 50 years, because it is cut off from […]

Topography of Mars derived from Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) aboard the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission (Smith et al., 1999). Hellas and Argyre impact basins are labeled along with the northern lowlands. Three mean shoreline elevations are taken from Parker et al. (1989) and Carr and Head (2003). Argyre and Hellas impact basins are outlined at an elevation of −2090 m.

Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

New Models Suggest Little Groundwater Recharge In Ancient Mars Aquifer

by Keith CowingFebruary 22, 2024February 22, 2024

Mars was once a wet world. The geological record of the Red Planet shows evidence for water flowing on the surface – from river deltas to valleys carved by massive […]