A study based on data from China's Mars rover Zhurong provides key evidence that an ancient ocean once existed on Mars' northern plains, suggesting that the planet could have been habitable, according to the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Friday.
Data from the rover revealed multiple layers of inclined sedimentary structures at depths of 10 to 35 meters beneath the southern part of Utopia Planitia region in Mars' northern hemisphere, near the rover's landing site.
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Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
These geological features closely resemble coastal sediment deposits on Earth, and such structures can only form in stable, long-lasting bodies of water.
The findings suggest that Mars may have experienced a long period of warmth and moisture, potentially making it habitable.
Zhurong, China's first Mars rover, successfully landed in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021.
Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
Chinese rover finds evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
