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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Mars Climate

Its discovery offers crucial insights into Mars' ancient climate and geologic history, contributing to our understanding of the planet's past

Image credits: Pixabay
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