Martian Highlands Reveal Evidence of the Planet’s Watery Past, No Martian Highlanders Yet

There can be only Mars One.
This article is over 10 years old and may contain outdated information

Recommended Videos

A new map of an area of Mars’ ancient highlands from the Planetary Science Institute adds more evidence to support plentiful water on ancient Mars. The map shows that freely flowing liquid water, over a long period of time, was an active force in shaping the Martian terrain. That’s more good news for anyone who’s hoping we don’t have to look any farther than our neighbor to prove life exists off of our planet.

The map,published as a U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map, was produced by Scott C. Mest and David A. Crown and shows several areas in which the surface of the red planet was likely carved by flowing water. Crown said:

This map depicts the complicated sequence of geologic processes that have served to modify ancient, rugged highland terrains surrounding the Hellas impact basin and shows evidence for the persistent effects of water and ice in degrading the Martian surface.

The detail of the new map has allowed them to see that the Martian canyons of Waikato and Reull Valles aren’t part of one canyon system as previously thought. Instead, they’re separated by an area of plains called Eridania Planitia, and water flowing out of Waikato pooled in a lake on the plains and then flowed on to help Reull Valles form separately.

But the most exciting part is that on peaks and the walls of impact craters, they found evidence of icy sediment flowing downhill, which would be the most recent water-based activity on the planet and could still be active today. On Earth, where we find water, we find life, so these highlands might be a good place to start looking for life on Mars—as long as that life doesn’t try to cut our heads off and absorb our Quickening.

(via Phys.org, image via NASA)

Previously in get your a** to Mars

Are you following The Mary Sue on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, & Google +?


The Mary Sue is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Dan Van Winkle
Dan Van Winkle
Dan Van Winkle (he) is an editor and manager who has been working in digital media since 2013, first at now-defunct Geekosystem (RIP), and then at The Mary Sue starting in 2014, specializing in gaming, science, and technology. Outside of his professional experience, he has been active in video game modding and development as a hobby for many years. He lives in North Carolina with Lisa Brown (his wife) and Liz Lemon (their dog), both of whom are the best, and you will regret challenging him at Smash Bros.