Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
Scientists have uncovered geological evidence indicating that the gravitational interplay between Mars and Earth triggers a 2.4-million-year cycle of deep-sea circulation and warming of our planet, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications.
The research reveals a surprising connection between Mars and Earth's seas and climate, wherein deep currents experience fluctuations corresponding to periods of increased solar energy and warmer climates.
This discovery sheds light on how climate change over geological timescales, distinct from contemporary human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, impacts ocean circulation.
Researchers anticipate that this knowledge will enhance the development of more accurate climate models in the future, aiding in understanding and predicting Earth's climate dynamics. However, scientists have emphasised that the current global warming scenario of Earth is totally induced by humans and Mars has nothing to do with it.
Led by University of Sydney scientist Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study team examined ocean-bottom currents' behavior during warmer climate periods by analyzing scientific drilling data collected over five decades.
To trace back deeper into Earth's history, the team scrutinized deep-sea sediment records dating back approximately 65 million years, revealing the existence of 2.4-million-year cycles linked to Earth's and Mars' orbits.
Co-author Dietmar Müller explains how the gravitational interaction between Earth and Mars alters planetary eccentricity, affecting solar radiation received by Earth and subsequently influencing climate.
While the team acknowledges uncertainty regarding the impact of Mars-Earth orbit dynamics on marine life, their findings hold promise for refining climate modeling and predicting future climate scenarios.