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Mars rover finds evidence of standing water on the red planet
The Mars rover
'Opportunity' is likely to be roaming around the ancient coast of a
marsian salt lake, according to
Dr. Steve Squires, responsible for both the Opportunity and Spirit rover
missions.
When did Mars have water? It is an important question that still remains
unanswered. However photos from Opportunity reveal horizontal layers in
the rocks, resembling sedimentary structures which on Earth form in large
bodies of water. Using the shape and size of what looks like sand ripples
in the rock, scientists even suggest that currents of 10-50cm per second
were flowing through this marsian body of water. Even though the windy
atmosphere of Mars can also form horizontal layers in the martian 'soil'
the photos sent back by Opportunity show structures which typically form
in slow running water.
Traces of chlorine and bromine in these rocks also suggest that there was
flowing water on Mars. According to Dr. Steve Squires, the rocks studied
by Opportunity resemble evaporites, which on Earth form in warm and dry
coastal regions. He hopes that one day, future rovers will be able to
bring back samples for full analysis so that scientists can answer the
next big question concerning life on Mars.
Source: NASA/JPL
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