Finding evidence of the existence of an ancient ocean north of Mars
Chinese researchers have succeeded in finding the first geological evidence of the existence of an ancient ocean in the northern region of Mars, by discovering the presence of marine sediments on the surface of the Red Planet.
According to the scientific journal National Science Review, the previous results were reached after analyzing data obtained from the multi-spectral camera on board the Chinese spacecraft Zurong.
Distinct layer structures
For his part, Long Xiao, a professor at the College of Earth Sciences at the University of China, said that after examining the images, it was concluded that there were distinct layered structures, which were significantly different from the common volcanic rocks found on the surface of Mars.
"These structures indicate the characteristics of bidirectional water flow, consistent with low-energy currents observed in terrestrial coastal environments on Earth," he added.
Old surroundings
He explained that the discovery constitutes new evidence of the existence of an ancient ocean on the surface of Mars in its northern region, according to what was reported by Chinese Central Television.
According to the British newspaper "Dale Mail", scientists believed that most of the water on Mars was stuck inside its outer crust, in the form of solid in rocks or gas in water vapor, but the new discovery indicates the presence of liquid water on the "Red Planet."
In 2009, the Phoenix Lander probe detected water in the north polar region of Mars, but the new detection detected liquid water at low latitudes, rather than high latitudes.
Source: websites