Jakarta, INTI - Chinese geologists have found evidence that Mars’ surface still exhibited significant water activity around 750 million years ago, based on an analysis of data from China’s first Mars rover, Zhurong.
The discovery was made by a research team from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which utilized scientific data collected during Zhurong’s exploration of the Red Planet.
The findings were published in the scientific journal National Science Review and offer new insights into Mars’ climate evolution, geological processes, and potential habitability.
Zhurong landed in the southern part of Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021 and carried out intensive scientific missions for nearly one year.
Radar Surveys Reveal Sediment Layers and Buried Craters
By May 2022, the rover had traveled a total distance of 1,921 meters and collected a wide range of important scientific data from the Martian surface.
During its exploration, Zhurong conducted high-frequency ground-penetrating radar surveys using four polarizations, functioning similarly to detailed CT scans.
Radar data revealed that the rover’s landing site is covered by a uniform sediment layer about four meters thick beneath the surface.
Beneath this layer, buried craters were identified, indicating significant resurfacing processes over time.
The thickness and continuity of the sediment layers rule out volcanic activity or wind-driven processes as their primary cause.
Lead and corresponding author Liu Yike stated that the most plausible explanation is that the area was once part of a water-rich sedimentary environment, such as a shallow sea or a large lake.
Zhurong’s radar also detected finely layered sediments at the centimeter scale, which are known to form in water-dominated environments.
Previously, Mars was believed to have entered a globally dry phase around three billion years ago, based on various planetary climate models.
Sustained Water Activity Extends into Amazonian Period
However, the latest findings indicate that sustained water activity on Mars continued into the mid to late Amazonian period.
Data analysis suggests that the Zhurong landing site underwent significant surface resurfacing during this time.
These results further strengthen evidence of shallow aquatic environments on ancient Mars and indicate that water persisted for hundreds of millions of years longer than previously estimated.
Conclusion
The discovery of prolonged water activity on Mars provides critical insights into the planet’s geological and climatic history, suggesting that habitable conditions may have persisted much longer than previously thought. These findings not only reshape our understanding of Mars’ evolution but also highlight the significance of advanced rover missions like Zhurong in uncovering the Red Planet’s hidden past.
Read more: Menkomdigi Encourages IoT Adoption to Boost Farming Efficiency in Sragen in a Concrete Way