ResearchDISCOVERCompleted
Kerala University team identifies Martian analogue minerals in Tamil Nadu and Chile
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu20 Oct 2026
Researchers from the University of Kerala reported identifying hydrous sulphate minerals—melanterite in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, and gypsum in the Tiruchirappalli Badlands in Tamil Nadu and the Atacama Desert in Chile—as terrestrial analogues relevant to interpreting Martian water–rock interactions. The findings were published in two papers in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, using analyses including a DST-FIST-supported laser Raman spectrometer to confirm mineral signatures.
Why it matters
These analogue minerals and sites can help validate and interpret Mars mineral data and guide future planetary missions toward locations more likely to preserve evidence of past water activity and potential biosignatures.
University of KeralaDST-FISTJournal of Geophysical Research: Planets