Researchers discover evidence of ancient rivers on Mars: study

Researchers discover evidence of ancient rivers on Mars: study

Scientists believe water may have run in rivers on ancient Mars 3.7 billion years ago, according to a paper published in Nature Communications.

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RESTRICTIONS: Broadcast: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Digital: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Scientists believe water may have run in rivers on ancient Mars 3.7 billion years ago, according to a paper published in Nature Communications.

Researchers speculate that the system these rivers formed existed for more than 100,000 years in Mars's geological history.

Using data gathered by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists surveyed the Hellas Basin and discovered signs on a 200-meter-tall cliff that suggests the region used to support a river system.

Writing in a news release, the team says the extremely high-resolution image from the orbiter's camera allowed them to read the cliff face and see sedimentary rocks that one would find on riverbanks.

According to the researchers, these ancient rivers probably changed their gullies and left behind sandbanks like certain rivers on Earth, such as the Rhine in Germany and rivers in Northern Italy.

RUNDOWN SHOWS: 1.

River system may have existed on Mars 2.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 3.

Cliff in Hellas Basin show evidence of sedimentation 4.

Martian rivers left behind remains of gullies and sandbanks VOICEOVER (in English): "Scientists believe water may have run in rivers on ancient Mars 3.7 billion years ago, according to a paper published in Nature Communications." "Researchers speculate that the system these rivers formed existed for more than 100,000 years in Mars's geological history." "Using data gathered by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists surveyed the Hellas Basin and discovered signs on a 200-meter-tall cliff that suggests the region used to support a river system." "Writing in a news release, the team says the extremely high-resolution image from the orbiter's camera allowed them to read the cliff face and see sedimentary rocks that one would find on riverbanks." "According to the researchers, these ancient rivers probably changed their gullies and left behind sandbanks like certain rivers on Earth, such as the Rhine in Germany and rivers in Northern Italy." SOURCES: Nature Communications, Utrecht University https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-15622-0 https://www.uu.nl/en/news/reading-the-rocks-to-find-ancient-water-on-mars *** For story suggestions please contact tips@nextanimation.com.tw For technical and editorial support, please contact: Asia: +61 2 93 73 1841 Europe: +44 20 7542 7599 Americas and Latam: +1 800 738 8377