A new idea could explain how the climate of early Mars became warm enough to support oceans, the BBC reports.
Scientists believe sulphur dioxide released from ancient volcanoes
created a balance similar to Earth’s carbon cycle, which controlled the
climate.
The notion, outlined in the journal Science, could
explain why Mars rovers have found sulphur minerals on the surface but
no limestone like on Earth.
It may also provide clues to how life evolved on our own planet.
“Before the origin of life, our atmosphere may have looked much like
early Mars,” said Daniel Schrag, lead author of the Science paper.
“Sulphur dioxide may have had an important role then as well.”
The Earth’s climate has been influenced for millions of years by the
movement of carbon around the planet, and levels of carbon dioxide, an
important greenhouse gas.
Discover more from thegreenpages
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
