A probable ancient nearshore zone in southern Utopia on Mars unveiled from observations at the Zhurong landing area.

ABSTRACT: The Chinese Mars rover Zhurong successfully landed in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021. Previous research suggested a Hesperian ocean may have existed in the northern lowland on Mars. Recent research observed water-related features at the Zhurong landing site from in situ data. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive geomorphological analysis of the landing area using remote sensing data, supplemented by in situ observations, and unveiled features consistent with the existence of a nearshore zone in southern Utopia. Different types of water-related geomorphological features were separated by specific topographic contours, suggesting different types of marine environments. The area was subdivided into a foreshore highland-lowland transition unit, a shallow marine unit and a

SUBMITTER: Wu B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11544219 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature