Mudstones with veins also share similar composition to those in North Devon's Watchet Bay, further hinting at Earth-like water activity.

The findings support beliefs that Mars was once a relatively lush planet whose water gradually (though not completely) dried out, possibly due to its weak magnetic field. It's not clear how long the lakes stuck around, or exactly what created them in the first place. However, there's no question that Mars' history is rapidly taking shape.