Mars' lake was larger than any on Earth? Here's what we know
Mars once had vast lakes, with Lake Eridania being largest. Recent images from the Mars Express spacecraft reveal this ancient lakebed, surpassing any Earth lake in size and volume
Lake Eridania: Mars' Largest Ancient Lake
Lake Eridania, identified by the Mars Express spacecraft, was the largest lake on Mars. Spanning over a million square kilometers (386,000 square miles)
Size Comparison: Mars vs. Earth Lakes
At its peak, Lake Eridania was about three times larger than the Caspian Sea, Earth's largest inland body of water
Geological Features of Lake Eridania
The lakebed, located in Caralis Chaos, is filled with raised mounds formed by Martian winds. These features emerged as dust, once covered by water, dried out
Caralis Chaos Terrain
Caralis Chaos, where Lake Eridania is, showcases chaotic terrain with mountains, cracks, and volcanic features. The region’s complex geology includes the Sirenum Fossae faults
Evidence of Past Water Activity
Despite being dry for billions of years, Caralis Chaos still shows signs of water activity. Central craters with carved valleys, other features indicate water might have lingered
Mars’ Water Disappearance
Mars’ water likely vanished due to its thin atmosphere and cold climate. With insufficient atmospheric pressure to retain liquid water, Mars experienced a dramatic reduction
Underground Water Evidence
Recent studies suggest that much of Mars’ water, including that of Lake Eridania, might have retreated underground. Evidence points to a vast reservoir of water still existing
Mars Climate
Its discovery offers crucial insights into Mars' ancient climate and geologic history, contributing to our understanding of the planet's past