Earth’s own ancient rivers are helping scientists uncover its watery past.
Billions of years ago, water once coursed across the surface of Mars. Scientists widely agree that the planet once hosted rivers, but an enduring question remains: did those rivers empty into an ocean? A recent study from the University of Arkansas presents compelling geological evidence suggesting that an ocean once covered Mars’ northern hemisphere.
“We don’t know of any lifeforms on Earth, or anywhere in the universe, that don’t require liquid water. So the more liquid water we have on Mars, a simple argument could be made that you have a higher chance of life,” said Cory Hughes, a U of A geosciences Ph.D. student and the study’s lead author.
To explore the geology of Mars’ ancient rivers, the research team compared river-formed rocks on Earth with those observed on Mars. Their analysis included sandstone from a river that flowed through what is now Northwest Arkansas around 300 million years ago.
Before arriving at the University of Arkansas, Hughes had already dedicated years to studying Mars. He chose to pursue his doctorate there to collaborate with John Shaw, an associate professor of geosciences and a specialist in Earth’s river deltas. Hughes believed that by studying Earth’s geological systems, he could gain clearer insight into the history and surface processes of Mars.
