But What Does Revelation Of The Clay Mean?

By confirming that the Curiosity rover had uncovered evidence of so much mud, specialists could cross-reference the sediment’s age with preliminary estimations. Experts made the unexpected finding that proved incorrect what had been the popular belief for decades.

The discovery of clay minerals on the surface of Mars was considered more proof that the planet formerly had a moist, habitable atmosphere. As a result of weathering in humid environments, most rocky minerals turn into different types of clay. The tiny crystalline structure of clay minerals needs the presence of water for them to develop. But except for the planet’s oldest terrains, Mars has essentially no clay.