Members of the Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) have been studying unique structures on the floor of Canada’s Kelly Lake as part of their 2011 field season. Scientist-pilots used submersible vehicles to study the ‘microbialite’ structures in situ. Scientist-scuba divers collected samples that were brought out of the water and into the laboratory for up-close experiments.

The Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) is funded by the CSACARN program and NASAMMAMA program. Additional funding provided by NASAESMD Analogs, NASAASTEP and Nuytco Research. Previous support for the program has also been received from the NASA Spaceward Bound Program, the National Geographic Society, and McMaster University.