Amazing images reveal "valleys and trenches" on Mars

An astonishing picture taken by the Mars Express satellite of the European Space Agency revealed a glimpse of the heat of the red planet.

The images show trench and valleys-dependent systems, likely features of the long-term flow of water to the planet's surface.

A clearly visible area on the satellite images indicates "obvious signs of past water activity", according to ESA, with traces of runoff from north to south to create valleys deep of several hundred meters.

Old carved valleys are visible in the area east of the famous "Huygens" pit, as well as other evidence of the existence of a water in contradiction with current theories on the climate of Mars.

European Space Agency / esa.int

European Space Agency / esa.int

European Space Agency / esa.int

"We view Mars as a cold, dry planet, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that this has not always been the case," ESA said.

Read more

The excavated terrain suggests that water flowed from north to south to drill these tracks over a width of 2 km and a depth of 200 meters, according to the European Space Agency.

Despite the many years of erosion, these valleys remain visible on satellite imagery.

Although there are many traces of water in the old Mars, its source remains ambiguous. According to the European Space Agency, the living waters of Mars could come from rain, groundwater or even glaciers.

All of this should be investigated as part of the upcoming "ExoMars" mission, scheduled for launch in 2020.

Source: Daily Mail