Martian life may have also developed in close association with its hydrothermal systems. Studies of thermal spring deposits in Yellowstone National Park by Farmer and his colleagues have shown lower temperature hydrothermal deposits to be rich in microfossil information. Farmer recommends that the search for ancient hot springs deposits on Mars, which may harbor microscopic fossils, be a prime target in NASA's new decade of missions. Additional martian hydrothermal sites considered in NASA's site selection studies include channels along the margins of impact crater melt sheets and the slopes of ancient volcanoes. Canyon floor of the Valles Marineris on Mars.
Geologists believe the lakebed sediments have been deposited over the original canyon wall.
Please credit image to NASA Ames Home Page. Canyon floor of the Valles Marineris on Mars. Geologists believe the lakebed sediments have been deposited over the original canyon wall. Please credit image to NASA Ames Home Page. With the great age of the meteorite, this clearly supports the search for an ancient record of life in martian rocks, particularly if we can return samples from the right places.