Tucked deep in Ladakh's icy Puga Valley lies a secret. A bubbling hot spring there could explain how life began. Indian scientists now believe this site holds rare evidence.
Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) made the discovery. The valley's unique conditions may help simulate early Earth’s chemistry. The study explores how life-supporting molecules could have formed.
How carbonate-rich hot springs relate to origin of life
The team studied travertine, a calcium carbonate deposit, from Puga. They found preserved amino acids, fatty acids and sulphur-based compounds. These were locked inside calcite, a common natural mineral.
The scientists used geochemical tools to examine the samples. Tests included GC-MS-MS, microscopy, Raman, IR, XRD and isotope analysis. Their results suggest that calcite may help stabilise organic molecules.
This suggests carbonates, not just silica, could have helped spark life. Until now, theories about early life focused mainly on silica bases. This new research gives fresh importance to calcium-rich environments.
Conceptual model of travertine formation and geochemical record at the Puga hot spring, Ladakh. (Image: PIB)
Why this Ladakh spring matters to astrobiology and Mars
The study offers insight into how life may start elsewhere. Similar conditions could exist on Mars or other planets today. Travertine-like minerals might preserve signs of ancient Martian life.
Lead researcher Dr. Amritpal Singh Chaddha said the findings are promising. He explained that calcite can trap and protect early biomolecules. This makes it a strong candidate for further study in space science.
The work is part of BSIP’s Earth and Planetary Exploration Group. Their aim is to support future missions with useful Earth-based models. The team hopes it can guide biosignature searches by ISRO.
The study was published in ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. It may also help design new materials for life detection in future missions.
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