Researchers have discovered that, unlike many caves on Earth, the caves on Mars are not developed from slow processes of erosion from rivers. Instead, these caves were created very quickly by meteors or volcanoes. These lava tubes have been "recently identified from Mars orbiting spacecraft". Melted ice from meteors are also considered possible candidates for causes of caves. This is relevant to the discussion of life on Mars. Consider the experiments we discussed on Friday, and their ambiguous results for life on Mars. These caves offer protection for the harsh radiation found on the surface of Mars. Researcher Penelope Boston argues that these caves "could be the ideal places to search for Martian life". These caves have been compared to caves on the islands of Hawaii which show an "abundance of microbial growth as biofilms and mats on cave surfaces". Clearly, the rover's recent trip into a crater is the first step in this search. Future martian robots should become proficient spelunkers if we are to find Martian life.
Source: Discovery News.
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