China’s Zhurong rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, revealing evidence of ancient sandy beaches beneath the planet’s surface. The findings suggest that a large ocean, known as Deuteronilus, may have existed on the northern plains of Mars roughly 3.5 to 4 billion years ago. This ancient ocean could have potentially supported life, much like Earth’s primordial seas.
The rover used ground-penetrating radar to probe up to 80 meters beneath the surface and detected thick layers of material with properties similar to sand, sloped in the same direction as beaches on Earth. The researchers mapped these structures spanning three quarters of a kilometer along the rover’s path.
According to Hai Liu, a planetary scientist from Guangzhou University, the Martian surface has changed dramatically over 3.5 billion years. However, using ground-penetrating radar, they found direct evidence of coastal deposits that weren’t visible on the surface. The beaches were likely formed by wave and tide action, which would have profoundly influenced Mars’ climate and shaped its landscape.
Researchers ruled out other explanations for the structures, including wind-blown dunes and ancient rivers. Instead, they concluded that the findings were most consistent with beach deposits. The discovery provides new insights into Martian history and potentially sheds light on the existence of past life on the planet.
Source: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/science-nature/science/20250313-242843