NASA - water on Mars, sediment pictures

In summary: Aeolian deposits are distinguished from lacustrine deposits by their texture. Aeolian deposits are typically composed of sand and silt that have been transported by the wind. Lacustrine deposits, by contrast, are composed of water-transpired sediments that have settled out of a body of water.
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  • #2
So, where'd the eroded material go?
 
  • #4
And deposited in a homogeneous mass? Or in layers?
 
  • #5
Likely deposited in layers. Titled OP link: Sedimentary Signs of a Martian Lakebed | NASA
This is an example of a thick-laminated, evenly-stratified rock type that forms stratigraphically beneath cross-bedded sandstones regarded as ancient river deposits. These rocks are interpreted to record sedimentation in a lake, as part of or in front of a delta, where plumes of river sediment settled out of the water column and onto the lake floor.
 
  • #6
While there is significant evidence suggesting Mars had a primordial ocean, it remains inconclusive. It does not require a particularly vivid imagination to picture the process that supplied primordial water to Earth would have done the same to mars. The bigger question is likely whether Mars ever had sufficient atmosphere to permit liquid water to accumulate on its surface. Certainly vulcanism is a candidate source for atmospheric gasses on mars. It is fairly obvious Mars underwent an early episode of intense volcanic activity not unlike Earth - which is widely regarded as a major contributor to Earth's primordial atmosphere. The topic is frequently debated in scientific literature For one of the more recent papers see; http://arxiv.org/abs/1411.5144, Estimating precipitation on early Mars using a radiative-convective model of the atmosphere and comparison with inferred runoff from geomorphology. Hopefully, Curiosity will yield further insight.
 
  • #7
Aeolian deposits from 4.5 Ga of dust storms are distinguished from lacustrine deposits how?
 

1. Is there really water on Mars?

Yes, NASA has confirmed the presence of water on Mars. In 2015, they announced the discovery of hydrated salts on the planet's surface, which can only form in the presence of liquid water.

2. How much water is on Mars?

It is estimated that there is a significant amount of water on Mars, with some sources suggesting that the planet may have once had a large ocean covering a third of its surface. However, the exact amount of water currently on Mars is still being studied and is not yet known for certain.

3. What is the significance of finding water on Mars?

The discovery of water on Mars is significant because it suggests that the planet may have once been habitable for microbial life. It also opens up the possibility for future human exploration and potential colonization of the planet.

4. What do the sediment pictures from Mars tell us?

The sediment pictures taken by NASA's Mars rovers show us the geological history of the planet and provide valuable information about its past environments. They also help scientists understand the composition and formation of the planet's surface.

5. Can we use the water on Mars for future space missions?

NASA is currently researching ways to extract and use the water on Mars for future space missions. This could potentially save time and resources by not having to transport large amounts of water from Earth. However, more studies and technology development are needed before this can become a reality.

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