Did it rain and snow on Mars like Earth?
Did it rain and snow on Mars like Earth?
23 Apr, 2025
Credit: Nasa
A new study suggests that billions of years ago, Mars experienced snow or rain, creating rivers and lakes—indicating a much warmer and wetter planet than today.
Rain & Rivers
Led by Amanda Steckel, the research was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets and uses new simulations to understand Mars' ancient climate.
New Research
The study supports the idea that Mars had widespread precipitation, challenging the long-standing theory that it was always cold and dry with only occasional ice melt.
Cold-and-Dry Theory
Satellite data show valley networks on Mars similar to Earth's, especially places like Utah, suggesting formation through flowing water—not just melting ice.
Earth-Like Valley
Researchers simulated both melting ice caps and precipitation. Rainfall scenarios created more realistic valley formations across varied elevations, closely matching Mars' real terrain.
Rainfall Hypothesis
Mars' Jezero Crater, currently explored by NASA's Perseverance rover, is an example of an ancient lake fed by a strong river—likely requiring meters-deep water flow.
Perseverance Rover Hunts
While the study strengthens the warm-and-wet theory, scientists still don't fully understand how early Mars stayed warm enough for liquid water. The planet may be a snapshot of what early Earth once looked like.
Still a Mystery
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