Photo: Early Mars Had Floods, Yellowstone-Like Hot Springs

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


The violent formation of Idaho's Box canyon (seen here in an undated photo) thousands of years ago has given scientists a clearer picture of how water sculpted the surface of Mars.

That study, along with new research into past hot springs and geysers on the red planet, suggest that Mars was much wetter and more hydrologically active than previously thought.

Image courtesy Michael P. Lamb

MOST VIEWED NEWS

APOCALYPSE PICTURES: 10 Failed Doomsday Prophecies

PICTURES: "Extraordinary" Ancient Skeletons Found

RARE PHOTOS: Giant Squid Eaten by Sperm Whale

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

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

50 Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.