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Mars’ Gale Crater Held Water for an Extended Period of Time, Surprising Scientists
Recent research has uncovered exciting new insights into Mars’ ancient water history, specifically focusing on the Gale Crater. The findings suggest that the crater held water for a much longer period than previously believed, shedding light on the planet’s potential for supporting life. The research, titled “Ice? Salt? Pressure? Sediment deformation structures as evidence of late-stage shallow groundwater in Gale crater, Mars,” was published in the esteemed journal Geology, with Steven Banham from the Imperial College of London leading the study.
One of the key discoveries of the research is the presence of deformed layers in windborne sandstone, indicating that water was abundant in the region more recently and for an extended duration than initially thought. The study highlights the intricate history of Mars’ water, revealing clues about the planet’s past environments and potential habitability.
Mars has long been a subject of fascination for scientists, offering valuable insights into planetary evolution and habitability. The Gale Crater, home to NASA’s MSL Curiosity rover, has been a focal point for exploring Mars’ ancient water features. Mount Sharp, the prominent feature within the crater, exhibits sedimentary layers that have been eroded over time, providing a window into Mars’ geological past.
The research delves into the detailed structures within Mount Sharp, showcasing the transition from wet to dry conditions over time. By analyzing sedimentary rocks at different elevations on the crater, scientists have uncovered evidence of a wet period during which fluviolacustrine sediments built up, followed by a dry period characterized by windborne deposits.
Notably, the study identifies distinct features within the Stimson formation, a windborne desert dune field on Mount Sharp, that display signs of deformation by water. These structures, such as the Brackenberry outcrop, exhibit laminations and deformities indicative of past water interactions, challenging previous assumptions about Mars’ water history.
The researchers propose three mechanisms for the deformed features, all involving water: high-pressure water overcoming rock strength, ice deposits causing deformation, and freeze/thaw cycles altering sediment structures. These insights provide valuable clues about Mars’ past hydrological processes and the presence of subsurface water in the Gale Crater.
By extending the timeline of water persistence in the region surrounding Gale crater, the study suggests that Mars could have been habitable for longer than previously envisaged. The findings highlight the importance of continued exploration to uncover more clues about Mars’ potential to support life and inform future missions to the Red Planet.
As we unravel the mysteries of Mars’ ancient water history, we gain invaluable knowledge that can enhance our understanding of planetary habitability and the search for life beyond Earth. Mars serves as a compelling example of a world that was once hospitable but underwent significant environmental changes, paving the way for future discoveries in exoplanetary science.
Exploring the complexities of Mars’ geological past not only deepens our appreciation for the Red Planet but also offers valuable lessons for our quest to uncover the secrets of other alien worlds. Through meticulous research and exploration, we inch closer to unlocking the mysteries of Mars and paving the way for future discoveries in the realm of planetary science.
News
Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?
The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.
This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.
In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?
Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.
Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?
With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:
Prices may rise again
If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.
But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.
Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.
You may be able to make a quick profit
Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.
Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.
There are other benefits of investing in gold
There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:
- Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
- Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.
The bottom line
Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.
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