Scientists are set to explore the world’s highest
fresh water lake 4 miles up in the Licancabur volcano near Antofogasta
in Chile.

Their aim is to find out how the organisms that live
there can survive in such a hostile environment. They will do this by
taking samples and diving to the bottom of the lake.

Although the lake at Licancabur volcano is covered with
almost two feet of ice during much of the year, the expedition will take
place in the southern hemisphere's spring, when the lake is not completely
frozen.

The information they hope to gather will help astrobiologists
devise strategies and technologies to search for life on planets like
Mars during future missions.