Researchers discovered that the Lafayette meteorite, found in a drawer at Purdue University, shows evidence of liquid water on Mars 742 million years ago, suggesting geologic activity.
'We do not think there was abundant liquid water on the surface of Mars at this time,' study lead author Marissa Tremblay stated, indicating water may have emerged from melting permafrost due to magmatic activity.
Variations in argon molecules within the meteorite's minerals helped scientists determine these minerals are less than a billion years old, refining our understanding of Martian geologic history.
The study highlights that the Lafayette meteorite's minerals intermingled with liquid water during formation, demonstrating a more dynamic Martian climate than previously understood.
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