The remains of a glacier have been found near the Martian equator, suggesting that some form of water could still exist in a region on the red planet where humans may one day land
. The ice mass is no longer there, but scientists spotted telltale remains among other mineral deposits near Mars’ equatorial region. The deposits there usually contain light-colored sulfate salts. When scientists took a closer look, they recognized the features of a glacier, including ridges called moraines — debris deposited or pushed by a moving glacier. The research team also spotted crevasse fields, or deep wedge-shaped openings that form inside glaciers.
But the fine, detailed features of the glacier still remain largely undisturbed in the salt deposit, which leads researchers to believe it’s relatively “young.” The study authors said they think the glacier existed during the Mars Amazonian geologic period, which began 2.9 billion years ago and remains ongoing. “We’ve known about glacial activity on Mars at many locations, including near the equator in the more distant past.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Modern glacier remains found near Mars equator suggest water ice possibly present today at low latitudesIn a groundbreaking announcement at the 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held in The Woodlands, Texas, scientists revealed the discovery of a relict glacier near the equator of Mars. Located in Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus at coordinates 7° 33' S, 93° 14' W, this finding is significant as it implies the presence of surface water ice on Mars in recent times, even near the equator. This discovery raises the possibility that ice may still exist at shallow depths in the area, which could have significant implications for future human exploration.
Read more »
Glacier relict on Mars indicates possibility of ice at low latitudesThis discovery piques our interest because this Martian glacial activity is believed to be relatively new.
Read more »
Remains of 160 people found in Bay Area cremation warehouseSan Francisco Bay Area officials are working to identify the families of 160 people whose remains were found in a warehouse used by a cremation business whose license was suspended
Read more »
Fed’s Bowman: US banking system remains resilient and on a solid foundationFederal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman crossed wires, via Reuters late Tuesday, as he rules out chatters surrounding the challenges to the US bankin
Read more »
Central Coast Community of Pajaro Remains FloodedFloodwaters from a weekend levee breach continued to keep thousands of Pajaro residents out of their homes Tuesday.
Read more »