Path of ancient coastline found on surface of Mars
As life evolved on Earth, across the solar system the large Martian ocean was vanishing.
Remnants of what appears to be an ancient ocean have been documented on the surface of Mars. Mineral deposits in rocks indicate a coastline along the planet’s Utopia region existed around 3.68 billion years ago — around the same time early life was forming on Earth.
Unfortunately, the water appears to have frozen and then disappeared around 260 million years later.
The scientists formed their theory after analysing data collected by China’s Zhurong Mars rover which landed in 2021 and surveyed the surface for around a year, and satellite images. Analysis by Hong Kong Polytechnic University found features consistent with a large body of water, including troughs and sediment channels.
Research published in 2022 found hints that the surface of the landing site was shaped by water. The new study is more comprehensive and focuses on modelling the probable path of the coastline around the rover’s landing area.
Is there life on Mars?
Images published in the journal Scientific Reports show the path of probable coastline. It’s here that the rover found evidence of hydrated silica, a mineral that indicates a reaction between water and rock. The mineral is also found on Earth where it's commonly used as an ingredient in toothpaste.
There is no conclusive evidence that liquid water exists on or close to the surface of Mars today, however there are likely small amounts in the atmosphere. And 2018 research points to a large reservoir existing under the ground.
In October scientists hypothesised melting beneath sheets of ice combined with light filtering through the surface could create suitable habitat for basic lifeforms like cyanobacteria.
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