One of the objectives of the Mono Lake field experiment is to evaluate the processes by which organisms are fossilized at the sites of springs. High resolution maps of the lake bottom show evidence of giant pinnacle structures which may indicate the presence of springs. Scientists will study whether or not the giant underwater pinnacle structures are formed as minerals precipitate in regions where spring water enters the lake. High solute concentration would have kept the water liquid even at the colder temperatures on Mars for considerably longer than would have been true of fresh water. Thus, the most long-lived liquid water environments on Mars were probably both hypersaline and accompanied by hydrothermal activity.
Liquid water is the essential ingredient for life on Mars.
The TROV uses a sonar imaging system and stereo video cameras to transmit images of structures in the murky water to scientists on the surface. Stoker and the other scientists control the TROV from a small ship anchored over the research site. The 25-foot Boston Whaler contains electronic equipment and computers and serves as a floating research laboratory. The system will reply with a confirmation via E-mail of each subscription. A second automatic message will include additional information on the service.