# Lake Van microbiolite scientific research > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lake-van-microbiolite-scientific-research > Updated: 2026-10-02T07:00:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. An international scientific collaboration has launched a project to investigate the geological evolution and origins of microbiolites in Lake Van, Turkey. These structures, which can reach up to 40 meters in size, resemble coral reefs and are among the most widely distributed microbialites in the world. Led by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, the research involves a partnership with universities from Italy, Poland, and China. The study focuses on examining carbonate nanospheres within the biofilms of these structures to understand their formation processes. Researchers aim to correlate their findings with samples from Salda Lake in Turkey and the Jezero Crater on Mars. Following the commencement of fieldwork in the Ahlat, Adilcevaz, and Gevaş regions, divers collected water and microbialite samples. To maintain biological and chemical integrity, the specimens are being transported to laboratories in Italy for advanced analysis using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mass spectrometry. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: Lake Van microbialites under international scientific study International scientists are studying microbialites in Lake Van, Turkey, to analyze nanospheres and compare findings with samples from Mars' Jezero Crater. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-van-microbialites-under-international-scientific-study ### 2026-09-23: Lake Van microbiolite evolution to be studied by international team An international team of scientists from Turkey, Italy, Poland, and China will study the origins of massive microbiolites in Lake Van using advanced chemical and imaging technologies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-van-microbiolite-evolution-to-be-studied-by-international-team --- Cite as: Lake Van microbiolite scientific research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lake-van-microbiolite-scientific-research