Study: Ancient Mars Had Oceans, Sandy Beaches

Scientists analyzing data from China’s Zhurong rover have uncovered compelling evidence that Mars once had vast oceans and sandy shorelines, reshaping theories about the planet’s ancient climate.

The rover, which landed in Utopia Planitia in May 2021, used advanced ground-penetrating radar to study the Martian surface.

Researchers identified sedimentary rock formations resembling those found on Earth’s beaches, indicating wave activity that once shaped Mars' landscape.

This discovery supports the theory that a significant ocean existed in the northern plains of Mars, reinforcing the possibility that the planet once had conditions suitable for life.

The findings also highlight past interactions between wind and water, further confirming Mars' dynamic environmental history.

These breakthroughs, led by an international team of scientists, were made possible through the Zhurong rover’s sophisticated radar technology, offering unprecedented insights into the Red Planet’s geological past.