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Can surface fractures on Earth, Mars, and Europa predict habitability on other planets?

The article from MSN discusses the potential of surface fractures on Earth, Mars, and Europa as indicators of habitability on other planets. It highlights how these fractures, often resulting from geological activity like plate tectonics on Earth, can provide insights into the subsurface conditions of planets and moons. On Earth, these fractures can lead to the creation of environments conducive to life, such as hydrothermal vents. Similarly, Mars shows signs of ancient water flows through its surface cracks, suggesting past habitability. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has a fractured icy crust which might overlay a subsurface ocean, potentially harboring life. The article suggests that studying these geological features could help scientists predict where life might exist elsewhere in the universe, by understanding how these fractures facilitate the exchange of materials between a planet's surface and its interior, possibly creating niches for life.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/earth-science/can-surface-fractures-on-earth-mars-and-europa-predict-habitability-on-other-planets/ar-AA1AiMVO ]