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Mars, often seen as a dusty, dry wasteland, once hosted vast oceans, according to new research. Scientists have uncovered strong evidence of ancient beaches beneath its surface, offering a glimpse into the red planet’s watery past.
Beaches Beneath the Surface
A recent study has revealed buried shorelines on Mars, suggesting the planet once had a northern sea. Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), scientists detected underground formations resembling ancient beaches, dating back 4 billion years. The research team named this ancient sea Deuteronilus.
Geologist Benjamin Cardenas from Pennsylvania State University shared his excitement: “We’re finding places that looked like ancient beaches and river deltas. Wind, waves, and plenty of sand—just like an old holiday spot.”
The GPR data showed thick layers of sediment sloping towards what scientists believe was the shoreline. These features, with a 15-degree incline, match patterns found in ancient buried beaches on Earth.
“They don’t resemble dunes, craters, or lava flows,” said geophysicist Michael Manga from the University of California, Berkeley. “Their shape and angle point to a long-lasting ocean.”
Mars’ Watery Mystery Deepens
The study, based on data from China’s Zhurong rover, offers deeper insights into Mars' water history. As Zhurong explored the Utopia Planitia region, its radar scanned up to 80 metres below the surface. The data revealed sediment layers sloping towards the ancient sea, confirming the shoreline theory.
This discovery builds on earlier hints that Mars once had liquid water. But the scale of the ocean and its longevity suggest a complex water cycle, possibly lasting millions of years.
“Big bodies of water create tides and waves,” Manga explained. “Even without a moon like Earth’s, Mars could have had solar-driven tides and strong winds creating surface waves.”
These conditions point to a dynamic environment, with rivers feeding sediment into the ocean and waves shaping its beaches—ideal conditions for life as we know it.
A New Clue in the Search for Life
The discovery of ancient beaches strengthens the case for Mars’ past habitability. Shorelines, where land, water, and air meet, are considered prime locations to search for evidence of life.
“On Earth, life likely began in places like this,” Manga noted. “If we can find similar spots on Mars, we might find clues of ancient life.”
The study also supports theories suggesting much of Mars’ water is trapped deep underground today. Manga’s earlier research proposed that vast liquid reservoirs might still exist beneath the surface.
The next step? Scientists plan to model Mars’ ancient waves and tides, seeking more clues about its watery past.
The full study has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
