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Ancient ocean coastal deposits imaged on Mars
Jianhui Li1, Hai Liu1, Xu Meng1
1School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Summary
Evidence from the Zhurong Rover suggests an ancient Martian ocean existed in Utopia Planitia. Radar data reveals subsurface reflectors consistent with a prograding shoreline, supporting a large body of water on early Mars.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- The existence of an ancient ocean on Mars is debated due to limited subsurface evidence.
- Previous research has explored various hypotheses for early Martian water bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subsurface geological structures in Utopia Planitia using radar data.
- To identify evidence supporting or refuting the presence of a large body of water, potentially an ocean, in early Mars' northern lowlands.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Zhurong Rover's Penetrating Radar instrument.
- Analyzed subsurface dipping reflectors in southern Utopia Planitia.
- Interpreted geological structures and sediment properties.
Main Results:
- Identified unidirectional dipping reflectors (6°–20°) over 1.3 km, consistent with a prograding shoreline.
- Observed reflector thickness of 10–35 m.
- Sediment properties (low permittivity) and structural features align with terrestrial coastal deposits, not fluvial, aeolian, or magmatic origins.
Conclusions:
- Findings provide strong support for a large, ancient body of water, likely an ocean, in Mars' northern plains.
- The scale of the deposits indicates significant sediment supply into a substantial water body.
- Offers crucial insights into the environmental evolution of early Mars.
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