TEHRAN, Jun. 27 (ISNA)-Iranian geologist and university professor has successfully discovered mud volcano phenomenon on the planet Mars. The results of this discovery, which according to Dr. Abbas Kangi may be the first in their kind, have been published in an article in a journal related to the International Academy of Astronauticsin, Acta Astronautica.

Dr. Abbas Kangi

Proving this discovery can lead to evidence of fossilized life on the surface of the red planet, Mars.

"In my research and through the pictures taken by NASA's satellite, Mars Express, I was successful in discovering this phenomenon," Dr. Kangi in an interview with ISNA explained.

"In the vicinity of this volcano cone, most of the lava is covered with a thick layer of loose sediments (probably clay). The presence of such sediments at the base of the volcano cone has led to the formation of several major landslides. Moreover, liquid water flow on the volcano cone has created a myriad of radial channels. The formation of such structures on the cone of a volcano is only plausible as a result of eruption of a mud volcano from its crater. Besides, the constant discharge of mud-like materials as well as hot water from the volcano paves the way for the growth and evolution of hydrothermal organisms," he added.

... Payvand News - 6/28/07 ...