A new type of ancient crater lake discovered on Mars

Context

Researchers at Brown University in the US have discovered a new unknown type of ancient crater lake on Mars which could reveal clues about the planet's early climate.

About the Finding

• The crater is unusual in having geological evidence of ancient stream beds and ponds.
• It could be fed by runoff from a long-lost Martian glacier.
• Water flowed into the crater atop the glacier.
• Significance: The crater provides key clues about the early climate of the red planet.

How it is different?

• In other Martian lake systems, the drainage breaches the crater wall and in some cases flowing out the other side. But here everything is happening inside the crater
• Other Martian crater lakes: Gale and Jezero craters