'Ancient Mineral Reveals Evidence of Hydrothermal Activity on Mars

A 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain extracted from a Martian meteorite offers groundbreaking insights into the Red Planet’s potential to host life. Researchers from Curtin University suggest that Mars once had hot water systems akin to those found on Earth, hinting at possible habitability in its distant past.

P24 News Media

November 24, 2024

1 minute

'Ancient Mineral Reveals Evidence of Hydrothermal Activity on Mars

India

A zircon grain, dating back 4.45 billion years, has emerged from a Martian meteorite found in the Sahara in 2011, shedding light on Mars's ancient history. This research led by the experts at Curtin University provides significant revelations about the planet's geological features and potential for past life.

The findings suggest that Mars was once home to boiling hydrothermal systems, reminiscent of Earth's volcanic activity. This revelation raises intriguing possibilities regarding the planet's ability to support microbial life at some point in its history.

The 'Black Beauty' meteorite, scientifically designated as NWA7034, has been pivotal for this research. Unlike typical Martian meteorites primarily composed of igneous or mantle rocks, 'Black Beauty' offers an exceptional look at the Martian surface and its geological history. Aaron Cavosie, a planetary scientist at Curtin University’s Space Science and Technology Centre in Australia, emphasizes the uniqueness of this meteorite, highlighting that it consists of regolith samples, thus containing a diverse array of rock and mineral fragments from different Martian sources.

Among the key aspects of the study was the analysis of a tiny zircon grain found within the meteorite, which was investigated for the first time in 2022. This grain provides invaluable clues concerning early crust formation on Mars and the implications of past meteorite impacts.

The research team meticulously examined the composition of the Martian zircon grain, focusing on trace elemental patterns to gain deeper insights into its primordial environment. Utilizing advanced nano-scale geochemistry techniques, the researchers uncovered compelling evidence suggesting the presence of hot water on Mars around 4.45 billion years ago. Notably, they detected specific elemental patterns within the zircon, including sodium, iron, yttrium, and aluminum, which indicate that these elements were integrated into the grain during its formation.

Cavosie commented on the crucial role of hydrothermal systems for the development of life on Earth, stating, “Our findings imply that Mars also possessed water, suggesting the potential for life in its past.” The study not only enhances our understanding of Mars’s geological evolution but also poses exciting inquiries regarding the planet’s habitability, both in ancient times and in the context of future exploration.