A group of researchers from academia, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA are currently at Pavilion Lake in British Columbia exploring and studying the origin of rare freshwater carbonate rock formations found there. This research not only helps us better understand our knowledge of the earth it prepares for future exploration of the moon and Mars.
The Canadian Space Agency has invited journalists to observe the multidisciplinary Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) team this year during its campaign currently underway. Media will have an opportunity to interview CSA Astronaut Chris Hadfield, NASA astronauts Stan Love and Mike Gernhardt, and an international team of researchers on site on July 6 as they conduct research about life in extreme environments using a combination of underwater vehicles and scuba divers.
Scientists believe the carbonate rock structures, known as microbialites, were formed by microorganisms more than 2.5 billion years ago. Today, environments rich in microbialites are seen as potential analogues for the biological, geological and chemical processes of early Earth. Similar processes possibly occurred on other planets.