Topic: Space

Scientists have found evidence of ancient water on Mars. They think it may have once had a huge ocean.

Mars Express, a spacecraft from ESA (European Space Agency), is studying Shalbatana Vallis, a massive valley on Mars. This region has many signs of ancient water, volcanic activity, and impact craters. The valley stretches for about 1,300 kilometers, roughly the length of Italy.

Scientists believe that Shalbatana Vallis formed around 3.5 billion years ago when huge amounts of groundwater burst onto the surface. The resulting floods carved deep channels as the water rushed downhill. The main valley visible in the image is about 10 kilometers wide and reaches depths of around 500 meters.

The area surrounding Shalbatana Vallis has many geological features, including chaotic terrain, impact craters, and evidence of lava flows. Chaotic terrain formed when underground ice melted and the ground above it shifted and collapsed. The region also has numerous impact craters, some with ejecta blankets, debris blasted outward during the original impacts.

Mars Express has been studying Mars for over 20 years, mapping its surface in color and three dimensions at unprecedented detail.

Why It Matters

Understanding how water flowed on ancient Mars can help us better understand our own planet's history. It also shows that even in extreme environments like Mars, life can thrive.

Key Facts

• Shalbatana Vallis is a massive valley on Mars that stretches for about 1,300 kilometers.
• The valley formed around 3.5 billion years ago when groundwater burst onto the surface and caused floods.
• The area surrounding Shalbatana Vallis has many geological features, including chaotic terrain, impact craters, and evidence of lava flows.
• Mars Express has been studying Mars for over 20 years, mapping its surface in color and three dimensions at unprecedented detail.
• Understanding how water flowed on ancient Mars can help us better understand our own planet's history.

Key Terms

ESA

European Space Agency, a space agency that explores the universe

Implications

Understanding how water flowed on ancient Mars can help us better understand our own planet's history. It also shows that even in extreme environments like Mars, life can thrive.