Posted on: April 30, 2012
Branch / Organization: Space Science & Astrobiology Division
Namibia
Research in Namibia has focused on characterizing life found in the extreme desert environment. Scientists discovered microbial life under stones near the coast where moisture was provided by fog and farther inland between sand dunes, where a small amount of rainfall occurs. This work helps researchers understand the connection of life to liquid water since interestingly, no colonization gradient was found between these two zones. This research is important for understanding the connections between water and life on Mars as well.