Martian Rivers? NASA's Perseverance May Have Found Evidence

NASA's Perseverance rover may have uncovered evidence of a wild and powerful river on Mars, challenging previous assumptions about the Red Planet's watery history.

Deep and Fast-moving River

New images captured by the rover reveal intriguing clues that point to the existence of a deep and fast-moving river system in Jezero Crater, the region under investigation.

These findings have significant implications for scientists as they seek to uncover signs of ancient microbial life preserved within Martian rocks.

Perseverance has been exploring a sedimentary rock formation, standing 820 feet (250 meters) tall, displaying distinct layers that suggest the influence of flowing water.

The key question scientists are addressing is whether this water originated from relatively shallow streams or a more forceful river network, contrasting the findings of NASA's Curiosity rover in Gale Crater.

By meticulously stitching together hundreds of images taken by Perseverance's Mastcam-Z instrument, researchers have identified coarse sediment grains and cobbles, indicating a high-energy river system that transported substantial debris.

This discovery aligns with observations made on Earth, adding a familiar touch to the exploration of Martian terrain.

Skrinkle Haven

Of particular interest is an area within the rock formation, dubbed "Skrinkle Haven," featured in one of the newly created Mastcam-Z mosaics.

The curved layers observed here bear the unmistakable imprints of powerful water flow. However, scientists are debating whether they resemble the Mississippi River or the braided Platte River in Nebraska, known for its sandbars.

Closer examination reveals that the curving layers, which appear as rippling rows across the landscape, might be remnants of shifting river banks or sandbars formed within the river itself.

Over time, wind erosion has sculpted these layers, reducing their height. While similar formations exist on Earth, they are often concealed by vegetation, making Mars an unparalleled setting for their study, according to the research team.

Another section of the curvilinear unit, called "Pinestand," presents isolated hills with sedimentary layers reaching impressive heights of up to 66 feet (20 meters).

Scientists suspect that these elevated layers may also have been shaped by a powerful river, though alternative explanations are being explored.

Mars' Watery Past

The Perseverance team continues to analyze the Mastcam-Z images, searching for additional insights into Mars' watery past. They are also utilizing the ground-penetrating radar instrument, RIMFAX, to examine the subsurface.

The combined findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of Mars' ancient hydrological environment and its potential to support life.

"What's exciting here is we've entered a new phase of Jezero's history. And it's the first time we're seeing environments like this on Mars," Perseverance's deputy project scientist, Katie Stack Morgan of JPL, said in a statement.

"We're thinking about rivers on a different scale than we have before."