Traces of Ancient Mega-Tsunamis Discovered on Mars
Could it be again one day if terra formed?
Mars once featured a vast ocean that covered its northern hemisphere. New evidence suggests this Martian sea experienced at least two “mega-tsunamis” that were triggered by meteor impacts. Traces of these cataclysmic events can still be seen on the Martian surface, and they could still contain traces of ancient life.
Giant oceans and massive tsunamis aren’t the first things that come to mind when we think of Mars, but this planet used to be quite different. About 3.4 billion years ago, groundwater outbursts unleashed a torrent of water that produced a cold and salty ocean that covered the planet’s northern lowlands. In some regions it was about a mile deep. It may have even fostered microbial life. Eventually, however, the climate changed on Mars, and most of the water evaporated into space.