Mineralogy of saline perennial cold springs on Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut, Canada and implications for spring deposits on Mars

► Geomorphic and spectral evidence suggest mineral deposition by springs on Mars. ► Cold springs in permafrost regions are uncommon on Earth and not well understood. ► Axel Heiberg Island's springs are environmental and mineralogical analogues for Mars. ► These springs support life year round; similar springs on Mars may have as well. ► Sulfate minerals at Wolf spring may play a role in preserving evidence of life.