In May 2021, the Chinese Zhuzhong rover, launched as part of the Tianwen-1 interplanetary mission, successfully landed on the Red Planet. Although the device has been in sleep mode since spring 2022, the data it collected provided new evidence supporting the possible existence of an ancient ocean on Mars.

The hypothesis that an ancient ocean existed in the northern plains of Mars, which could have influenced the planet’s early climate and atmosphere, has long been debated in the scientific community. The results of the surveys revealed potential coastlines and other geological features that confirmed the assumption of water presence in this region. Crater-like areas often formed, especially in places where there used to be water or ice.

Now, a research team led by Bo Wu of Hong Kong Polytechnic University has analyzed the geomorphological characteristics of the Zhuzhong landing site and found signs that indicate the existence of a coastal zone in the southern part of the Utopia Plain, one of the largest collisions. Basins on Mars. Sedimentary rocks, layered sediments, and multilayered subsurface layers discovered by the rover are typical structures for environments where water is present.

Zhuzhong worked on the Martian surface for a year instead of the planned three months. During this time, the apparatus traveled about two kilometers along the bottom of the Utopian Plain, examining its geological features.

Authors of the study presented in the journal Scientific Reports divided the studied area into three different geological branches. The first is probably the area where the transition between land and ocean occurs. In the second region, the water depth was relatively small, while in the third region it reached significant values.

Since the RoPeR georadar (Rover Penetrating Radar) installed on the rover can “illuminate” the interior of the Red Planet to a depth of 100 meters, the research team presented its version of the development of events in the southern part of the Utopian Plains based on the data obtained (as well as satellite data and their analysis).

According to the scenario described by the team, the ocean formed as a result of a flood approximately 3.65-3.68 billion years ago and then froze, exposing the coastline (resulting in the formation of shallow and deep water areas). Eventually, about 3.4 billion years ago, the ocean completely disappeared, losing its subsurface volatiles.

However, the authors of the scientific study noted that their discovery does not prove the existence of an ancient ocean on Mars, and that it is necessary to bring Martian rocks to Earth and examine them thoroughly in order to dot all the dots above i. Understanding this hypothesis and helping to learn more about the geological history of the planet. Data obtained by Zhuzhong and other Mars missions.