Lakes on Mars disappeared later than previously thought

The scientists concluded that water on Mars disappeared for a billion years later than previously thought. The discovery may make the scientific world to reconsider the views on the evolution of the Red Planet's climate.
Pictures are sent to Earth apparatus Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, NASA allowed the researchers to more accurately determine exactly when Mars lost the last of the rivers and lakes of liquid water. Scientists have examined the characteristics of the relief in the Arabia Terra: this is an area which is located north of the equator of the Red Planet. Experts calculated the length of the streams and lakes of the volume that they are filled. In order to determine the time of formation of the landscape 22 meteorite crater were analyzed, located nearby. Assessing the presence of craters thrown rocks, the researchers were able to find out the age of the lake basins.

It turned out that Mars possessed enormous reserves of liquid water and a billion years after the t. N. wet age. This suggests that the Red Planet lost much of its atmosphere is much later than previously thought. Thus, Mars is much longer than scientists assumed up to this point, been suitable for life.

The researchers calculated that located in the Arabia Terra Pool Hart Lake being filled, could hold up to 2.8 thousand. Cubic meters. km of water. This is significantly more than accommodates located in Canada and the US Lake Ontario, which is part of the five largest lakes in the United States. At the same pools, similar to Hart Lake, can be found in other regions of the Red Planet.

Today it is known that the main reserves of water hidden in the Martian cryosphere (permafrost surface layer) of the planet. Some experts also believe that the large lake with the liquid, and salt water may be under the polar caps of the Red Planet.

Previously, we recall, it was reported that NASA experts found on Mars, liquid water. To be precise, it is a hydrated mineral containing liquid. This finding, according to scientists, opens up new perspectives in the study of the Red Planet. In particular, the presence of liquid water can significantly help in question in the future colonization of Mars.