New evidence suggests gypsum deposits on Mars may hold signs of ancient life

New evidence suggests gypsum deposits on Mars may hold signs of ancient life
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Feb 25, 2025

A research collaboration between the University of Bern and the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene in Algeria has yielded significant progress in astrobiology. Their recent study demonstrates the successful detection of fossil microorganisms in Messinian gypsum deposits in Algeria using the Bernese Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometer (LIMS). The findings suggest that LIMS could play a crucial role in identifying potential biosignatures in similar Martian deposits during future space missions.

Mars harbors gypsum deposits that may conceal traces of ancient microbial life, potentially resembling the earliest life forms on Earth from four billion years ago. Detecting these biosignatures requires highly precise instruments capable of operating in space environments. Researchers at the University of Bern have tested a miniaturized, laser-powered mass spectrometer on Earth and confirmed its effectiveness in identifying microbial fossils.

The team demonstrated that LIMS is capable of detecting biosignatures in terrestrial gypsum deposits that were formed under conditions similar to those found on Mars. The findings open up new possibilities for utilizing the instrument in upcoming Mars exploration missions. The study, led by Youcef Sellam of the University of Bern's Division of Space Research and Planetology, has been published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Science.

Traces of ancient life in gypsum formations

The Messinian gypsum deposits examined in this study date back to the Messinian Salinity Crisis, a geological period occurring approximately six to five million years ago. During this time, the Mediterranean Sea experienced extensive drying, leading to the formation of thick evaporite layers in deep-sea basins. "Our study shows that gypsum can preserve fossil microorganisms and sustain biosignatures over extensive geological periods," explained Sellam.

Mars presents a unique set of environmental conditions that could influence the long-term preservation of biosignatures. Sellam noted, "Deposits similar to those in Algeria, located in what were once Martian seas, represent promising sites for astrobiological research and the search for evidence of life on Mars."

The study also highlights Algeria's contribution to planetary science. In addition to providing key geological samples, the Algerian University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene contributed valuable expertise. "This marks Algeria's first astrobiological study," Sellam added. "As an Algerian researcher, I am particularly proud to help enhance Algeria's role in planetary science and the broader scientific community."

Bernese mass spectrometer ready for Mars missions

The research team successfully detected biosignatures in terrestrial gypsum deposits using the LIMS instrument, a miniaturized laser mass spectrometer developed at the University of Bern. LIMS is scheduled to be deployed to the Moon in 2027 for chemical analysis of lunar rocks. As part of this study, the instrument was further optimized to analyze gypsum samples effectively.

Peter Wurz, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Bern and LIMS project leader, emphasized the significance of these findings: "This study confirms that LIMS is highly effective in detecting biosignatures in sulfate minerals such as gypsum. The technology is now ready for integration into future Mars rovers and landers for on-site analysis."

Research Report:The search for ancient life on Mars using morphological and mass spectrometric analysis: an analog study in detecting microfossils in Messinian gypsum