Wat-Not Staff
In an exciting breakthrough, China’s Zhurong rover has found geological evidence of an ancient coastline on Mars. The discovery points to a large ocean that may have covered parts of the planet 3.5 billion years ago.
According to the study published in Scientific Reports, the ancient coastline was found in Mars’ southern Utopia region.
Scientists have theorised for years that a vast ocean once covered about a third of Mars, and these findings reinforce that belief. The Zhurong rover, which has been exploring Mars since May 2021, collected data indicating that the area was likely a shoreline, with mineral deposits hinting at historical water presence.
Evidence of a Lost Mars Ocean
The Zhurong rover discovered fine mineral grains in the Vastitas Borealis plains. Researchers believe these grains were likely deposited by an ancient sea, rather than by volcanic activity.
Bo Wu, lead study author from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, pointed out several unique features in the area, such as “pitted cones, polygonal troughs, and etched flows.” These geological markers suggest water might have existed in this area millions of years ago.
Using data from both the Zhurong rover and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists estimated the age and composition of mineral deposits. This research provides further evidence of possible flooding events that could have formed the ocean and shoreline features, dating back around 3.7 billion years.
What This Discovery Means for Mars Exploration
These findings add depth to our understanding of Mars’ history and its potential to have harbored life. Researchers describe features in the region like troughs and sediment channels, which support the theory of a nearshore zone. Through remote sensing and in-situ data analysis, scientists are piecing together a more detailed picture of Mars’ ancient environment.
Despite these promising findings, scientists caution that Zhurong’s data cannot offer direct evidence of an ocean. Instead, it suggests that a nearshore environment likely existed.
This discovery, however, fuels future missions aimed at uncovering Mars’ watery past, offering new avenues to explore Mars’ potential for ancient life.
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