 'Based on these findings, we know there had to have been a period when it was warm enough and the atmosphere was thick enough to support this much liquid water at one time.' Scientists have long debated if Mars was once home to an ocean. Using data, showing features of the area, the team found clear evidence of a 3.5 billion year old shoreline several thousand feet thick, which covered thousands of square miles. Mr Cardenas explained: 'On Earth, we chart the history of waterways by looking at sediment that is deposited over time. 'We call that stratigraphy(correct), the idea that water transports sediment and you can measure the changes on Earth by understanding the way that sediment piles up. Experts say the maps provide the strongest evidence yet that the planet once experienced sea level rises consistent with a warm and wet climate ( BenjaminCardenas/PennState/ SWNS) 'That's what we've done here - but it's Mars.' The researchers used software developed by the United States Geological Survey to map data fr){kind=link}
Data shows ‘clear evidence’ of a 3.5 billion year old shoreline several thousand feet thick on Mars after traces of ancient ocean were found on the north side of the planet
Traces of ancient ocean have been discovered on Mars, raising suggestions signs of life may be discovered on the red planet.
Scientists used maps to find traces of a tidal ocean in the North of the planet.
Researchers say the maps provide the strongest evidence yet that the planet once experienced sea level rises consistent with a warm and wet climate.
Author Benjamin Cardenas, of Pennsylvania State University in the US, said: “What immediately comes to mind as one the most significant points here is that the existence of an ocean of this size means a higher potential for life.