In the previous discoveries, valleys and sedimentary rocks were found on Mars, and it was thought that rivers flowed on the planet. But scientists have long been discussing whether the oceans existed on Mars.
Now, the data from China’s Zhurong Discovery tool gave this discussion a new dimension.
Underground imaging data offered new evidence
In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists examined the underground imaging data of the Zhurong Discovery tool. Dr. Penn State University. Benjamin Cardenas, “Zhurong, Paleosahil lanes were sent to the South Utopia Planitia region mapped with satellite data,” he said.
Researchers say that the data obtained from the northern low terrain of Mars is similar to underground radar measurements used on the coasts in the world. In both cases, underground materials are inclined to low areas, ie the ocean direction.
Coasts may have changed over time
The data obtained from Zhurong reveal that Mars coastline has changed position over time. “Data shows that the beach is progressing at least 1.3 km to the north,” Cardenas said.
Stating that this finding is important inferences, Cardenas said, “This may seem like a simple structure, but we see the evidence that tides, waves and a close river carry a sedimentary substance. This process should have been active for a long time,” he said.
Life traces can be searched on Mars
Although researchers acknowledge that inclined structures may have been formed by other geological processes, the data obtained are not compatible with these scenarios. Cardenas, “Volcanic movements, rivers or winds carried by wind dunes, such as eliminated. Mars, although the common formations, the structure identified here does not comply with any of these processes,” he said.
This discovery is regarded as an exciting development for scientists who investigate the possibility of life in the past. Cardenas, “A coast is the point of interaction between shallow water, air and land. In the world, life is thought to emerge first in such environments. So it would be great to send a new discovery task to this region to look for signs of life in Mars in the past,” Cardenas said.
However, the old coastal strips on Mars are not very similar to the tropical beaches in the Earth. Even though there are no palm or seagulls, Cardenas said he was a great curiosity to see these beaches: “To rebuild these old landscapes is one of the most exciting aspects of geology. It is really worth dreaming!” he said.
