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New Images May Show Ancient Martian Lake

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 18, 2009 4:39 PM CDT

(AP) – New images suggest Mars had a sizable lake on its surface billions of years ago, further evidence that the planet had a watery past. Images snapped by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reveal a 30-mile-long canyon where water once flowed and beach remnants surrounding a basin. Dubbed the Shalbatana lake for the valley it's located in, scientists believe it is about the size of Lake Champlain.

The lead researcher estimates the lake formed 3.4 billion years ago at a time when the planet was believed to be cold and dry. It probably evaporated or froze over, he said. A Cornell University Mars expert called it a neat find, but he said he would like to see other data besides images to support the notion of a lake.

Echus Chasma, one of the largest water source regions on the Red Planet.
Echus Chasma, one of the largest water source regions on the Red Planet.   (AP Photo)
A color-enhanced image of the delta in Jezero Crater, which once held a lake.
A color-enhanced image of the delta in Jezero Crater, which once held a lake.   (AP Photo)
Holden Crater in the southern hemisphere of Mars, which hosts an old river.
Holden Crater in the southern hemisphere of Mars, which hosts an old river.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
laslow
Jun 19, 2009 2:55 AM CDT
Total Recall.
riffran
Jun 19, 2009 2:13 AM CDT
one theory about the water, is that with a lack of a significant magnetic sphere, to protect the planet from ionized solar wind,the solar wind has slowly eroded away the atmosphere, and sublimated the majority of the H2O away...then you get into the metor bombardment stuff, and other even wilder ideas
Fondue
Jun 18, 2009 10:15 AM CDT
You'll need to fully support a tax and spend liberal agenda. lol

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