Our convoy began the exploration of Arkaroola and its Mars Analog site on Saturday. We scoped the area with scientists, teachers etal......... it was a long day. By the time we had investigated the radioactive spring at ..... Parrena? Hot water of 48c rises from this spring. Not only is the water very hot, but it is as a result of uranium decay, causes heat release and rock heating - hot water! The geiger counter emasured reasonably high levels of radio activity on some close rocks.... interesting.
The landscape is phenomenal- red, grey, interspersed with stunted green vegetation. Rocks cover parts of the plains - gibber. The antiquity of this place is awesome and the fact that seismic activity is happening ( registered some movement this morning) is amazing. the folded ranges are remniscent of the Rockies but being older, they are more eroded.
Our scientists have a range of explorations relating to the possibility of life on Mars and their quest for information takes the form of investigating ancient rocks, examining the conditons that existed when stromatalites were formed . This allows them to seek similar conditions( if there) on Mars.
For the last two days we have been travelling many bouncing km. Is a long time since I have been thrown around the backseat! T;is trully rough but the sense of adventure when moving through this remote place is wonderful.
There are goignt o be updates on the Mars Society website and tthere will be some great pics as well....
We are off to Lyndhurst tomorrow for a couple of days - up to Maree.
Hopefully i will be able to get through tomorrow night.
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