Researchers analyzing data from ESA’s Mars Express orbiter have uncovered the remnants of a colossal ancient lake on Mars. Known as Lake Eridania, this ancient body of water once spanned approximately 1.1 million square kilometers, dwarfing Earth’s Caspian Sea. The image captured by Mars Express portrays the Caralis Chaos region, a part of this vast lakebed, now heavily weathered by billions of years of Martian climate. The discovery sheds light on Mars’ watery past and geological transformations.
Comparing historical data, previous studies indicated Mars had liquid water between 4.1 and 3 billion years ago, particularly during the Noachian and Hesperian periods. These studies suggested Mars once hosted a massive ocean covering about a third of its surface. The new findings align with these earlier insights, confirming that Lake Eridania was among the significant water bodies before Mars’ climate change led to the loss of its surface water.
High-Resolution Imagery Reveals Geological Clues
The topographical maps and high-resolution imagery from the Mars Express orbiter have provided crucial insights into the lakebed’s structure. The boundaries of the lakebed curve around a central crater, indicating multiple basins joined to form one large lake. The region’s light-toned materials contain Fe/Mg-phyllosilicates and chlorides, suggesting a history of volcanic activity and water evaporation.
Volcanic Activity and Geological Transformations
Evidence of volcanic activity is present in the form of Sirenum Fossae, two large faults running through the region. These faults, created by the pressure from the Tharsis volcanic plateau, highlight the dynamic geological history of the area. The presence of these faults and the graben (a depressed portion of the crust) between them illustrates the tectonic forces at play.
Long-Term Missions and Future Research
Mars Express has been orbiting Mars since 2004, providing invaluable data on the planet‘s surface and geological history. Its mission has been extended until at least 2026, with a provisional extension to 2028, promising continued insights into Mars’ past. The findings from Mars Express contribute to our understanding of Mars’ ancient environment and the planet’s potential to have harbored life.
The extensive data from Mars Express reveals a complex history of water and volcanic activity on Mars. The discovery of Lake Eridania, larger than any lake on Earth, underscores the planet’s rich geological past. This knowledge enhances our understanding of the Red Planet’s evolution and its capacity to support life. Future research will likely focus on further exploring these ancient lakebeds and the implications for past life on Mars.
