Curiosity Rover Finds Evidence of Martian Carbon Cycle

The Curiosity rover, while ascending Mount Sharp, discovered sediment samples rich in iron carbonate. These samples indicate that ancient Mars had a carbon cycle, with atmospheric carbon sequestered in rocks. However, the lack of plate tectonics on Mars prevented the carbon from returning to the atmosphere, leading to atmospheric thinning and Mars' transformation into the lifeless desert it is today. This discovery confirms previous model predictions and provides crucial insights into the evolution of Mars' climate.