At an early stage of its formation Mars was covered with a network of glaciers. This is stated in the study by canadian paleontologists, published in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience.
This conclusion was made based on the study of tens of thousands of photographs of the planet’s surface. The study’s lead author Anna Grau Galore (Anna Grau Galofre) developed a method by which images of Mars were compared with photos of the subglacial valleys, is located on Devon island, belonging to the canadian Arctic. Scientists have confirmed the similarity of the reliefs of the two planets, in particular, found almost identical traces of the glaciers.
“the Devon Island is one of the best "analogues" Mars. It is cold, barren, polar desert,” said Grau Galore.
The similarity of the reliefs of the two territories makes it clear that Mars was a large number of ancient glaciers, which have formed as a result of the presence of water and the presence of cold climate. At the beginning of its formation, the planet fit for life, but about 3.6 billion years ago Mars was like a desert. Researchers believe that in the photos from the satellite valley was formed as a result of the presence of glaciers, and not reservoirs.
A network of canals appeared under an ice cover due to accumulated naturally water. Paleontologists have concluded that these conditions could be suitable for the occurrence on Mars of ancient life forms. Reliable ice shell could protect you from strong solar radiation and to ensure a constant flow of liquid.
In April, U.S. scientists said on Mars discovered huge reservoirs of water came from different sources. Experts believe that their formation occurred due to the collision with the planet large celestial bodies.
