A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that Mars once had a major body of water and a more livable environment for life. The research, led by Chinese and U.S. researchers, analyzed data from China’s Zhurong Mars rover and found evidence of ancient ocean waves and coastal sedimentary deposits. This is considered “the clearest evidence yet” of past water on the Red Planet.
The discovery was made in an area known as Utopia Planitia, where the Zhurong rover sent back data in 2021 while searching for signs of ancient water or ice. The scientists found extensive dipping deposits and “foreshore deposits” similar to beaches on Earth with sediments. These findings indicate that Mars had a dynamic interface between air and water, suggesting waves and a possible coastal environment.
Lead researcher Benjamin Cardenas described the discovery as painting a picture of ancient habitable environments capable of harboring conditions friendly toward microbial life. He noted that this is an important finding for understanding the history of life on Earth and the potential for life on Mars.
The study’s findings have significant implications for future research into water on Mars and the search for signs of past or present life on the Red Planet.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/mars-beach-ocean-study-rover