The so-called wet paradise scientists have hoped for a very long time that Mars used to be a lush planet, preferably even capable to host life. Unfortunately, recent research has proved the fact that the Red Planet was a lot colder, even in its early stages, than scientists initially hoped for.
Results
This is a disappointment after researchers have found theoretical valleys on the surface on Mars. There might, however, be some sad news regarding the old presence of surface water on the planet. It would seem that the ancient valleys on the Red Planet were in fact carved by ancient, ridiculously huge ice sheets, not rivers as it was thought in the past.
Method
Those are the results of the new studies that have been performed in an effort to figure out what Mars looked like during the first billion years of its lifeless, yet exciting existence. In order to find out this information, the researchers have looked at over 10,000 different segments of the valleys that were identified on Mars.
Inspiration from Earth
They were especially inspired by seeing some images of Devon Island and the Canadian Arctic, which is known for being especially dry and extremely frigid. A new analysis that has been performed recently shows the fact that some of the valleys on the Red Planet. It would seem, in fact, that most of the valleys on Mars have been formed in the same process to the valleys that can be found just below the ice in Devon Island.
Scientist’s Explanation
Anna Grau Galfore, the lead author of this new study, has explained the fact that, when looking at out planet from a satellite, a lot of valleys can be seen. Some of those valleys were created by rivers, others by glaciers, but a lot of them have been created through distinct processes, every single one with a distinctive shape.