Researchers at a university have discovered clay deposits on Mars that suggest the planet may have had a habitable environment in its past. The study analyzed NASA images and data, finding that clay formed near bodies of water, which could have created an environment conducive to life.
According to lead researcher Rhianna Moore, the lack of plate tectonics on Mars meant the planet’s climate was not stable, resulting in the preservation of some historical information in the clay. “On Earth, we have a cycle driven by plate tectonics and our oceans,” Moore explained. “This cycle keeps the climate relatively stable, allowing for sustained habitability.”
However, Mars did not have this process, leading to the accumulation of materials in clays. This preserved environment allowed researchers to make inferences about the planet’s past conditions, including areas with prolonged rainfall and potential habitability.
One surprising discovery was the presence of clay close to the Martian dichotomy, a region with sharp contrasts in altitudes. The study suggested that there may have been an ancient ocean in the north, which is supported by the trend of clay deposits along what appears to be its shoreline.
Source: https://thedailytexan.com/2025/07/03/university-researchers-use-clay-to-peek-at-mars-past