A groundbreaking study has uncovered the oldest evidence of water on Mars dating back 4.45 billion years, just shortly after the planet formed. The discovery, rooted in analysis of a Martian meteorite called NWA 7034, suggests Mars had hot water circulating in its crust, potentially creating environments suitable for microbial life.
Key Findings
Researchers from Curtin University identified a microscopic zircon grain in the meteorite, which contains minerals that could only form in the presence of water. This water, however, wasn’t just ordinary it was likely scalding hot, resembling conditions in hydrothermal vents or hot springs seen on Earth.
“This is the earliest evidence of water on Mars, predating Earth’s oldest water signatures,” said geologist Aaron Cavosie of Curtin University. “Mars and Earth shared similar wet conditions early on, raising questions about the potential for life on Mars during that era.”
How Was the Evidence Found?
Using nanoscale microscopy, researchers examined the zircon trapped in NWA 7034, nicknamed ‘Black Beauty’ a 320-gram meteorite found in the Sahara Desert in 2011. They discovered layers of elements like iron, yttrium, aluminum, and sodium, deposited in patterns resembling those found in Earth’s magmatic-hydrothermal systems, such as the Olympic Dam site in Australia.
These findings indicate the water on Mars was heated by volcanic activity, which was much more intense in the planet’s early history.
What Does This Mean for Mars’ History?
- Wet Beginnings: The presence of water aligns with theories that comets and asteroids delivered water to both Mars and Earth during the Solar System’s formation.
- Habitability: Conditions with hot water and volcanic activity could support microbial extremophiles, similar to those found near hydrothermal vents on Earth.
- Geological Puzzle: While scientists can’t confirm if liquid water existed on Mars’ surface at the time, the data suggests water may have contributed to the atmosphere or escaped to the surface.
The Incredible Journey of NWA 7034
- The zircon grain’s history is astonishing:
- It formed in a hydrothermal system shortly after Mars’ creation.
- It survived a massive asteroid impact 4.45 billion years ago.
Billions of years later, it was ejected from Mars during another meteorite collision, eventually landing in the Sahara Desert.
“The zircon’s survival story is nothing short of miraculous,” said Cavosie. “From forming on Mars to being hurled through space and landing on Earth, this tiny grain has unlocked secrets about Mars’ ancient past.”
Looking Ahead
This discovery opens up new questions:
- Did Mars have widespread hydrothermal systems?
- Was the magmatic activity that heated its water internally driven or caused by asteroid impacts?
Researchers aim to build on these findings, hoping to deepen our understanding of Mars’ early climate and its potential for life.
This study, published in Science Advances, is a monumental step in unraveling the red planet’s mysterious history showing that even a grain smaller than a human hair can hold a universe of knowledge.
Reference: https://www.sciencealert.com/the-oldest-evidence-for-water-on-mars-reveals-it-was-extremely-hot