Mars Researchers Didnt Expect This!!!!!!

by **J The Kidd** Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:47 am

WASHINGTON (July 16) - Minerals in the soil of Mars show it was
covered once by lakes, rivers and other bodies of water that could have
supported life, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday.

Mars once was covered by lakes, flowing rivers and other wet
environments that had the potential to support life, researchers said
Wednesday. Above, Echus Chasma is one of the largest water source
regions on the Red Planet.

Researchers used NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to take a closer
look at minerals on the Martian surface. The clay-like minerals -- or
phyllosilicates -- suggest water interacted with rocks dating back to
Mars' Noachian period billions of years ago. A trough in the Nili
Fossae region of Mars, shown in the 3D image above, had expansive
outcrops of phyllosilicates.

In the source area of Kasei Valles, gigantic water falls may have once
plunged over these cliffs onto the valley floor. The original shoreline
is still partially visible. The remarkably smooth valley floor was
later flooded by basaltic lava, scientists said.