The existence of a giant ancient ocean on Mars

Mars was probably 10 times more water than shown by previous studies.

Scientists from the University of Northern Illinois presented a map covered with water of Mars. About it reported in a press release published on the website Phys.org.

The researchers determined the amount of water required for the formation of a network of ancient valleys on the red planet. To calculate the volume of the channels, scientists have used algorithms used to process data obtained by laser scanning of the terrain. Experts analyzed the digital model of the surface of Mars and estimated the depth of the valleys.

The researchers then rated the intensity of erosion. The total amount of water, “cutting through” channels must exceed the volume of the valleys is about four thousand times. This is only possible in the presence of large ocean. According to their calculations, Mars was probably 10 times more water than shown by previous studies.

At the same time, scientists point out that existing models of the Martian climate demonstrate that the planet was too cold for the existence of an active hydrological cycle. Future research will have to resolve this contradiction.

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