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Recently published scientific research indicates that hundreds of ghost dunes on Mars might have evidence that indicates the existence of prehistoric life. The study suggests that each of the dunes could be of the size of the American capitol. The dunes remained for years because of their initial composition composed of lava and some sediment that resulted in their hardening.
One of the main authors of the study, Mackenzie Day says that we know that the dunes found on Earth are able to sustain life. These dunes are very similar to those of Mars. The only difference between Earth and Mars is the radiation of the surface.
The research summary further indicates that the discovery of the dunes was done through images obtained from two satellites. These dunes are located in pits whose shape says a lot about the behavior of the winds in recent years.
The existence of ghost dunes is not a new phenomenon as similar features were discovered about two years ago in the Snake River Plain. . The dunes usually form on flat surfaces that have the shape of croissants
Mackenzie Day and David Catling, another author of the study, claim that dune burial could have occurred there are about two billion years old. . According to the researchers, this period has been characterized by significant changes in the climate of the planet. The atmosphere is transformed from a humid environment with flowing water and active volcanoes and become arid.
However, the specific reasons leading to changes in climate are not yet known. However, space.com suggests that there was a lightening of the atmosphere that could not allow the flow of water.
During the formation of the ghost dunes, there was a difference in the winds that indicates the fact that there is no constant environmental conditions on the planet Mars. Conditions tend to change over time and in this case, billions of years ago. Such achievements are essential to understand the structure and the existence of other features on Mars.
Day further recognizes the fact that there is little opportunity to find proof of life in ghost dunes. However, an badysis of the dunes could provide useful insights into the ancient days of the planet as well as the process involved in the formation of broad strokes.
Day pointed out that there is a probability of lack of life on the dunes, but he is optimistic that they are the best to know if there has been the existence of life on the planet at a given moment.
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