Photo: Mars Water Traces Left by Springs, Not Seas, Experts Say



A rock formation dubbed Payson shows sediments and other signs of water activity in the region of Mars known as Meridiani Planum.

A new study has found that networks of springs and a shallow water table can account for mineral deposits first discovered in the region by the Mars rover Opportunity in 2004. The deposits had been considered possible evidence that extensive lakes or oceans once existed for long periods on the Martian surface before finally evaporating.

Image courtesy NASA/JPL/Cornell


EMAIL NEWSLETTER Photos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.

See Sample >>
Please enter a valid email address
Privacy Policy
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Photo and Headline Widget

Put our latest news and photos on your Web page or desktop—automatically updates! See Sample