The astonishingly massive evaporite deposit, 3,900 feet (1,200 m) thick, appears to be draining an area far larger than a map - based or topographic watershed would suggest, says lead hydrologist David Boutt. (sciencedaily.com)
As mentioned above, mineral species identification is also in progress for holes 1 and 2 as selected samples have been chosen for XRD analysis to determine the mineralogy of the complex potash and evaporite minerals. (geckoresearch.com)
Among the best places to find Martian microfossils would likely be at the sites of mineralizing springs, ancient evaporite deposits, and soil hardpans. (sciencemag.org)