- SCIENTISTS UNCOVER MARTIAN FINDING THAT MIGHT EXPOSE EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE
This may not be the most apparent destination for a vacation.
But Mars once had sunny, sandy shores with calm, rippling waters, as indicated by a recent research findings.
Scientists have found indications of a 'getaway-like' setting on Mars, even though there appears to be no observable liquid water present. The surface of Mars as we see it today.
A global group of researchers utilized information from China China's Zhurong Mars rover aims to uncover concealed strata of rocks beneath the planet’s surface, which strongly indicate the existence of an ancient northern ocean.
The latest study provides the strongest indication so far that the planet previously had a substantial amount of water and a more conducive setting for life, according to the scientists.
The Zhurong rover landed on Mars In 2021, within the region called Utopia Planitia, it transmitted information about the local geology in quest of evidence indicating past presence of water or ice.
In contrast to other rovers, this one was fitted with ground-penetrating radar, enabling it to investigate Mars’ subsurface. By utilizing both low and high-frequency radar signals, it could delve into the Martian soil and pinpoint hidden rock structures beneath.
Through examining the buried layers of sediments, researchers can now construct a more comprehensive understanding of Earth's past.
Upon reviewing the radar data, the team discovered a comparable stratified arrangement akin to that found on terrestrial shorelines.
They observed 'foreshore' deposits, which are inclined layers sloping toward the ocean. These formations occur as sediments are transported by tidal movements and wave actions into extensive bodies of water.
When comparing the Martian data with radar pictures of shoreline formations on Earth, the team discovered remarkable parallels.
The dip angles measured on Mars were well within the range found in coastal sedimentary formations on Earth.
The discovery indicates that Mars was once a much wetter place than it is today, further supporting the hypothesis of a past ocean that encompassed a significant area around the north pole of the globe , the researchers said.
The research additionally offers fresh insights into the development of Mars' environment, indicating that a hospitable warm and moist era may have lasted for as long as hundreds of million years.
Benjamin Cardenas, co-author from Pennsylvania State University, stated, "We're discovering locations on Mars where old shorelines of ancient seas once stood and where former river deltas existed .
'We discovered signs of wind, waves, an abundance of sand — essentially, a perfect beach for a holiday.'
Dr. Michael Manga from the University of California, Berkeley, was also among the contributors to the paper.
The formations do not resemble sand dunes," he stated. "They are not similar to an impact crater nor do they appear to be lava flows. It was at this point that we began considering the possibility of ancient oceans.
The alignment of these elements parallels where the ancient coastline likely existed. These features possess the appropriate direction and gradient to back up the theory that an extensive body of water persisted long enough to form a sandy shore similar to a beach.
The research was documented in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.
Read more
