The probe transmits radar images, identifying two distinct sedimentary layers, evidence of large-scale changes
An image depicting the appearance of the Mars rover “Perseverance”. Photo source: Wikimedia
Results of NASA’s Mars exploration probe “Perseverance” using radar to explore the underground sedimentary layer of a lake believed to have existed in ancient times have been revealed. Analytical results were also presented which suggest that erosion occurred before the lake sediments accumulated. This is expected to serve as a basis for understanding the possibility that life existed when the environment on Mars changed.
A joint research team from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oslo, Norway, has published in the international academic journal the results of an analysis of the results of Perseverance’s exploration of the underground sedimentary layer of a ancient lake on Mars “Science Advances” magazine on the 27th (local time).
Perseverance, which launched from Earth in July 2020, landed on the surface of Mars in February 2021 the following year. The Martian environment, including geology and atmosphere, is being explored near Mars’ Jezero Crater, known to be an area with a high possibility of life.
Jezero Crater, where Perseverance is conducting exploration activities, is believed to have originally had a lake filled with water. It is currently believed that as the water retreats, sediments accumulate, forming an area with geological characteristics similar to a terrestrial delta.
While exploring this deltaic terrain from May to December 2022, Perseverance obtained radar images of the underground sedimentary layer covered by this study and sent them back to Earth. Exploration images and data were obtained using radar waves to probe underground space. This is a method of analyzing geological features through reflected waves at a depth of 20 meters below the surface by launching radar at 10cm intervals. As a result of Perseverance’s analysis of the images obtained in this way, many rock layers that looked like road cuts were discovered.
In this regard, the research team stated: “Two distinct sedimentary layers were identified, suggesting that there was erosion activity before the sediments of the ancient lake accumulated. It is inferred that sedimentation and erosion occurred occurred over thousands of years, creating the environment as it exists today,” he said.
This is direct evidence that large-scale changes have occurred in the Martian environment. The research team expressed the expectation that “by studying the sediment area, we will be able to collect evidence that can help us understand the possibility that life existed in the process of environmental change.”
In addition to radar exploration, Perseverance is also collecting soil and rock samples. NASA is also carrying out a mission to return to Earth with samples collected by Perseverance. When the sample arrives on Earth, its chemical characteristics are expected to be analyzed to confirm in detail the environmental changes on Mars and the possibility that life exists.
Meanwhile, in July last year, ‘Nature’ published an article stating that Perseverance had discovered traces of organic molecules that suggested the possibility of the presence of microorganisms. Perseverance’s ability to produce oxygen has also been confirmed. The “Moxy” oxygen generator developed by a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology managed to convert carbon dioxide from Mars into oxygen.
Donga Science Reporter Moon Se-young moon09@donga.com
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