In the most remote corners of the world, in the kingdom of ice and snow - Antarctica, there is a striking natural anomaly - the dry valleys of McMurdo … Unknown and mysterious, they never tire of attracting people's attention.
The Merdow Valley is a very distinctive place. The climate here is really harsh. They are considered the coldest deserts on Earth. Besides, just imagine, there was no rainfall here for two million years - there was no snow or rain!
Therefore, life is a rare occurrence in this harsh climate, but researchers have managed to find it! The dry valleys are home to organisms that have been able to adapt to extreme conditions. Lichens and mosses, microbial communities and worms have managed to adapt and survive in such Spartan conditions.
The Dry Valleys, of course, have attracted the interest of many scientists with their unique landscape.
The study process began, during which an interesting fact was established. This place is the only one on Earth that is as close as possible to the conditions of Mars.
And this begs the question - what do Earth and Mars have in common?
Both planets have polar caps, valleys, rivers and lakes, and the coldest temperatures in dry valleys are close to those on Mars.
Could the Merdov valleys give people a broader understanding of the structure of Mars?
There are many questions that have not yet been answered. But, of course, the most intriguing of all - is there life there?
And if so, does this mean that both planets have a common origin? It is too early to draw any conclusions.
The valleys are not only visited by scientists. Small groups of tourists are allowed to get there by helicopter.
And if you've ever dreamed of plunging into the otherworldly alien world or just wondering to spend a vacation, then … you have a chance.
