A new study published in the journal Icarus reveals that a prehistoric megaflood on Mars may have elevated the global mean level of its ancient ocean by roughly 34 metres. Conducted by researchers from the University of Kerala alongside institutions in India, Japan, and the United States, the research used two-dimensional hydraulic modelling to analyse the breach of paleolakes within Valles Marineris. The canyon network held an estimated 2,369 trillion cubic metres of water, approximately half of which—1,245 trillion cubic metres—was discharged during the event. The primary breach took place at Eos Chasma, with waters flowing through Chryse Planitia toward the northern lowlands and Oceanus Borealis. The simulation also indicated a temporary local water surge of 324 metres at the outflow point. An equivalent water release on Earth would submerge around 3.6 million square kilometres, causing severe disruptions to ecosystems, coastlines, and human settlements.
Source : The Hindu
Photo : The Hindu
