Chinese researchers have discovered direct evidence that proves the existence of an ancient ocean on the northern plain of Mars, according to the China University of Geosciences, Xinhua News Agency has reported.
Due to the lack of in situ investigation, previous studies that claimed there was a lot of liquid on early Mars have remained disputed.
According to a study that was published in the journal National Science Review, a research team led by university professor Xiao Long examined the scientific data from the multispectral camera of the Mars rover Zhurong and discovered petrological evidence of marine sedimentary rocks on the planet's surface for the first time.
"When we looked at the images from the rover's on-board camera, we discovered that the bedding structures of exposed rocks are significantly different from the common volcanic rocks on the surface of Mars as well as the bedding structures formed by aeolian sands," Xiao said.
He continued by saying that the low energy tidal flows in the Earth's shore-shallow ocean environment were consistent with the bidirectional flow characteristics suggested by the bedding knowledge.
The study's findings have given clear evidence in support of Mars once having had an ancient ocean.
Comment