Scientists find evidence of ancient Martian ocean

Posted on Wednesday, June 16 2010 @ 10:16 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Nature reports planetary geologists have found additional evidence that suggests Mars once had an Earth-like water cycle, and that nearly one third of the planet's surface was covered by an ocean.
Planetary geologists in the United States have analysed data that suggest Mars was once home to a huge ocean of water, covering nearly one-third of its surface. Their evidence, a ring of dry river deltas and valleys all at a similar elevation, adds weight to the idea that the red planet once supported an Earth-like water cycle.

Hints that an ocean once occupied the northern lowlands of ancient Mars first arose in the late 1980s. Scientists examining pictures of the surface claimed to recognize extensive shorelines and vast networks of river valleys and outflow channels feeding in the same direction. Other researchers used thermal physics to imply that such networks could only have been carved by a complete water cycle, fuelled by one or more huge bodies of water.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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Re: Scientists find evidence of ancient Martian ocean
by Anonymous on Thursday, June 17 2010 @ 1:36 CEST
The evidence of Martian ocean shows we human are not alone in universe.