Mars rocks suggest rainy ancient climate

​​​​​​​By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - A new study published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals that light-colored rocks found by NASA’s Perseverance rover may be evidence that Mars once had a warm, rainy climate lasting millions of years.

The research, led by Adrian Broz of Purdue University, focuses on rocks rich in kaolinite, a clay mineral that on Earth forms mainly in tropical regions with heavy rainfall.

"So when you see kaolinite in a place like Mars, where there’s certainly no liquid water at the surface today, it tells us that there was once a lot more water than there is now,” said Broz.

The kaolinite fragments observed by Perseverance range from small pebbles to large boulders.

They were analyzed using the rover’s SuperCam and Mastcam-Z instruments and compared with similar rocks on Earth.

Their presence on Mars, now cold and dry, suggests the planet once had far more liquid water.

The rocks were discovered scattered across Jezero Crater, an area believed to have held a large ancient lake.

Although scientists are unsure where the kaolinite formed, chemical comparisons with Earth samples indicate it was most likely created by long-term rainfall rather than underground hydrothermal activity.

Researchers said the rocks preserve a crucial record of Mars’ climate history and strengthen the case that the planet may once have had environments capable of supporting life.​​​​​​​