What lends high authority to the ancient Martian ocean hypothesis based on exploration methods?
Consistency between distant radar measurements and local rover mineralogy
The strong authority supporting the massive ancient ocean hypothesis stems from the successful correlation between two distinct methodologies: remote sensing from orbiters and in-situ analysis from surface rovers. The radar data establishes the large-scale evidence, mapping boundaries and layered structures consistent with coastal formation. When rovers arrive at these identified locations, they confirm the interpretation by finding mineralogical evidence—such as hydrated minerals or sedimentary features—that could only have formed through prolonged exposure to liquid water. This consistency between the macro (orbital radar) and micro (rover analysis) data greatly strengthens the scientific conclusion.
