A new "gravity map" of Mars has revealed the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of Mars that were unknown to humankind till now,

On the map, dozens of mysteriously dense blobs were spotted - one of them being in the shape of a dog - below the ancient seabed around the north pole of the Red Planet.&nbsp;

The first-of-its-kind map further confirmed the existence of the tallest mountain on Mars.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-once-had-water-but-now-its-barren-heres-what-led-to-its-mysterious-disappearance-756902">Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance</a>

The density map of Mars was created by the researchers by combining data about the crust of the planet from NASA's InSight lander along with records of fluctuations in the satellites' orbits.

<h2>Here's what the gravity map reveals about Mars&nbsp;</h2>

The new map brought into focus 20 underground blobs present in the Borealis Basin which is in the northern hemisphere of Mars and was an ancient seabed more than 3 billion years ago.

In a statement, the researchers said that the blobs were of all shapes and sizes and one of them "resembles the shape of a dog". The density of these blobs ranged between 300 and 400 kilograms per cubic meter.&nbsp;

However, the scientists were not able to confirm how these blobs were formed and why were they so dense.&nbsp;

"These dense structures could be volcanic in origin or could be compacted material due to ancient [meteor] impacts," said study lead author&nbsp;Bart Root, who is also a planetary scientist at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, in the statement.&nbsp;

And "there seems to be no trace of them at the surface," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years

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The findings were presented by the research team at the Europlanet Science Congress in Berlin between September 8-13.

The map revealed that the northern polar formations are nearly 300-400 kg/m³ denser in comparison to their surroundings.

“Through gravity data, we have a tantalizing glimpse into the older history of the northern hemisphere of Mars,” said Dr. Root.

The enormous volcanic region of Tharsis Rise, which included Olympus Mons, was also revealed in the study.

“The NASA InSight mission has given us vital new information about the hard outer layer of Mars. This means we need to rethink how we understand the support for the Olympus Mons volcano and its surroundings,” Dr. Root added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new "gravity map" of Mars has revealed the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of Mars that were unknown to humankind till now, On the map, dozens of mysteriously dense blobs were spotted - one of them being in the shape of a dog - below the ancient seabed around the north pole of the Red Planet.

A new "gravity map" of Mars has revealed the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of Mars that were unknown to humankind till now, On the map, dozens of mysteriously dense blobs were spotted - one of them being in the shape of a dog - below the ancient seabed around the north pole of the Red Planet. The first-of-its-kind map further confirmed the existence of the tallest mountain on Mars. Also Read: Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance The density map of Mars was created by the researchers by combining data about the crust of the planet from NASA's InSight lander along with records of fluctuations in the satellites' orbits. Here's what the gravity map reveals about Mars The new map brought into focus 20 underground blobs present in the Borealis Basin which is in the northern hemisphere of Mars and was an ancient seabed more than 3 billion years ago. In a statement, the researchers said that the blobs were of all shapes and sizes and one of them "resembles the shape of a dog". The density of these blobs ranged between 300 and 400 kilograms per cubic meter. However, the scientists were not able to confirm how these blobs were formed and why were they so dense. "These dense structures could be volcanic in origin or could be compacted material due to ancient [meteor] impacts," said study lead author Bart Root, who is also a planetary scientist at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, in the statement. And "there seems to be no trace of them at the surface," he said. Watch: China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years The findings were presented by the research team at the Europlanet Science Congress in Berlin between September 8-13. The map revealed that the northern polar formations are nearly 300-400 kg/m³ denser in comparison to their surroundings. “Through gravity data, we have a tantalizing glimpse into the older history of the northern hemisphere of Mars,” said Dr. Root. The enormous volcanic region of Tharsis Rise, which included Olympus Mons, was also revealed in the study. “The NASA InSight mission has given us vital new information about the hard outer layer of Mars. This means we need to rethink how we understand the support for the Olympus Mons volcano and its surroundings,” Dr. Root added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars' gravity map finds mysterious blobs, 'Martian dog' beneath its seabed

Wondering whether aliens exist is perhaps the most favorite pastime of the modern era. Though the topic has, and continues to get serious scientific consideration, popular culture has been creative enough for people to periodically claim that they have seen or have been abducted by aliens. The seemingly laughable assumptions do sometimes have a point. How else would we fully explain construction of pyramids? The jury is still out.

Just like pyramids, how do we account for a 'yellow brick road' found 3000 metres below the sea level?

The question came into larger consideration after researchers from Ural Federal University (UrFU) and the University of Tubingen (Germany) found this underwater 'road' ('to Atlantis' they said!).

Nautilus, a sea exploration vessel, stumbled upon this 'road' earlier this year. The vessel was exploring a deep sea ridge just north of Hawaiian islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The 'brick road' was observed while the Nautilus surveyed the Liliʻuokalani ridge within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM).

PMNM is a huge marine conservation area, one of the world's largest. PMNM is so big that its total area exceeds that of all national parks in the US combined.

When Nautilus stumbled upon the 'road' it was time for researchers who were transfixed to screens at the surface to jump in their chairs.

"It's the road to Atlantis," a researcher on the radio can be heard saying

"The yellow brick road?" says another voice&nbsp;

"This is bizarre," added another member.&nbsp;

"Are you kidding me? This is crazy."

Best part is, we can see this moment as the expedition is available on Youtube.

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Those searching for conspiracy theories for this structure may have to be dejected this time. This 'brick road' has formed due to fractures in volcanic rocks on the seabed.&nbsp;

"The unique 90-degree fractures are likely related to heating and cooling stress from multiple eruptions at this baked margin," reads a caption to the YouTube video.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-might-have-found-first-record-of-a-dinosaur-eating-a-mammal-544987">Scientists might have found ‘first record of a dinosaur eating a mammal’</a>

The conspiracy theorists need not be crestfallen. First glance at this structure may make anyone think that its a road to the unknown. And when it comes to sea exploration isn't this a fitting ode to our efforts till date?

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Wondering whether aliens exist is perhaps the most favorite pastime of the modern era. Though the topic has, and continues to get serious scientific consideration, popular culture has been creative enough for people to periodically claim that they have seen or have been abducted by aliens.

Wondering whether aliens exist is perhaps the most favorite pastime of the modern era. Though the topic has, and continues to get serious scientific consideration, popular culture has been creative enough for people to periodically claim that they have seen or have been abducted by aliens. The seemingly laughable assumptions do sometimes have a point. How else would we fully explain construction of pyramids? The jury is still out. Just like pyramids, how do we account for a 'yellow brick road' found 3000 metres below the sea level? The question came into larger consideration after researchers from Ural Federal University (UrFU) and the University of Tubingen (Germany) found this underwater 'road' ('to Atlantis' they said!). Nautilus, a sea exploration vessel, stumbled upon this 'road' earlier this year. The vessel was exploring a deep sea ridge just north of Hawaiian islands in the Pacific Ocean. The 'brick road' was observed while the Nautilus surveyed the Liliʻuokalani ridge within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM). PMNM is a huge marine conservation area, one of the world's largest. PMNM is so big that its total area exceeds that of all national parks in the US combined. When Nautilus stumbled upon the 'road' it was time for researchers who were transfixed to screens at the surface to jump in their chairs. "It's the road to Atlantis," a researcher on the radio can be heard saying "The yellow brick road?" says another voice "This is bizarre," added another member. "Are you kidding me? This is crazy." Best part is, we can see this moment as the expedition is available on Youtube. × Those searching for conspiracy theories for this structure may have to be dejected this time. This 'brick road' has formed due to fractures in volcanic rocks on the seabed. "The unique 90-degree fractures are likely related to heating and cooling stress from multiple eruptions at this baked margin," reads a caption to the YouTube video. Also Read | Scientists might have found ‘first record of a dinosaur eating a mammal’ The conspiracy theorists need not be crestfallen. First glance at this structure may make anyone think that its a road to the unknown. And when it comes to sea exploration isn't this a fitting ode to our efforts till date? You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Yellow brick road' found 3000 metres below surface of the sea

A new study has shown that deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science, shows that noise pollution creates a “cylinder of sound” from the surface to the sea bed.

With cumulative impacts likely in places where multiple mines operate, the study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 km&nbsp;in gentle weather conditions.

During the research, scientists estimated the impact of noise on an area spanning 4.5m sq km between Mexico and Hawaii called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) if mining companies are opened in the zone.

The thresholds set by the US National Marine Fisheries Service will be exceeded in a radius of 4 to 6 km of each mine as per estimates of the research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-claim-to-have-found-huge-ozone-hole-over-tropics-experts-alarmed-495198" hreflang="en">Scientists claim to have found huge ozone hole over tropics, experts alarmed</a>

According to Travis Washburn, co-author of the study, “The deep sea houses potentially millions of species that have yet to be identified, and processes there allow life on Earth to exist.”

The research, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, examines the potential for underwater noise pollution from seabed mining operations.

Scientists used noise levels from better-studied industrial activities as mining companies are yet to share their data on underwater noise pollution.

“If our modelling is correct, it could require rethinking of environmental regulations, including the number of mining operations allowed within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone,” said Craig Smith, co-author and professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii.

“Our models suggest that nowhere in … the whole 75,000 km sq is free from noise impact,” said Smith.&nbsp;

''It might require changing the regulations, so that the control areas are further away.''

“We have not been able to do the studies, but if mining operations went on simultaneously, it might have a big impact on a whole bunch of organisms.”

“The effective protection of the marine environment is guaranteed through requirements for environmental baseline studies and environmental impact assessments and monitoring, as set out in exploration and future exploitation regulations,” according to International Seabed Authority (ISA).

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new study has shown that deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science, shows that noise pollution creates a “cylinder of sound” from the surface to the sea bed.

A new study has shown that deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science, shows that noise pollution creates a “cylinder of sound” from the surface to the sea bed. With cumulative impacts likely in places where multiple mines operate, the study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 km in gentle weather conditions. During the research, scientists estimated the impact of noise on an area spanning 4.5m sq km between Mexico and Hawaii called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) if mining companies are opened in the zone. The thresholds set by the US National Marine Fisheries Service will be exceeded in a radius of 4 to 6 km of each mine as per estimates of the research. Also read | Scientists claim to have found huge ozone hole over tropics, experts alarmed According to Travis Washburn, co-author of the study, “The deep sea houses potentially millions of species that have yet to be identified, and processes there allow life on Earth to exist.” The research, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, examines the potential for underwater noise pollution from seabed mining operations. Scientists used noise levels from better-studied industrial activities as mining companies are yet to share their data on underwater noise pollution. “If our modelling is correct, it could require rethinking of environmental regulations, including the number of mining operations allowed within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone,” said Craig Smith, co-author and professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii. “Our models suggest that nowhere in … the whole 75,000 km sq is free from noise impact,” said Smith. ''It might require changing the regulations, so that the control areas are further away.'' “We have not been able to do the studies, but if mining operations went on simultaneously, it might have a big impact on a whole bunch of organisms.” “The effective protection of the marine environment is guaranteed through requirements for environmental baseline studies and environmental impact assessments and monitoring, as set out in exploration and future exploitation regulations,” according to International Seabed Authority (ISA). (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles: Study

Scientists have made a bathymetric chart mapping the ocean floor of Antarctica’s encircling southern ocean covering 48 million sq km.

Knowing the depth and shape of the seafloor is fundamental for understanding ocean circulation, tides, tsunami forecasting, fishing resources, sediment transport, environmental change, underwater geo-hazards, infrastructure construction and maintenance, cable and pipeline routing and much more.

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The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica is a region that is key to a range of climatic and oceanographic processes with worldwide effects and is characterised by high biological productivity and biodiversity. Since 2013, the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO) has represented the most comprehensive compilation of bathymetry for the Southern Ocean south of 60°S. Recently, the IBCSO Project has combined its efforts with the Nippon Foundation -GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project supporting the goal of mapping the world's oceans by 2030.

Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between the Nippon Foundation, a Japanese non-profit philanthropic organisation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans(GEBCO), an international group of mapping experts. It aims to bring together all available bathymetric data to produce the definitive map of the world ocean floor by 2030 and make it available to all.

The project was launched at the United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference in June 2017 and is aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal #14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.

Despite many years of effort, less than 20 per cent of the world’s ocean seafloor has been mapped. A coordinated international effort is needed to bring together all existing data sets and to identify areas for future surveys - to help 'map the gaps'.

The Southern Ocean is a major component of the coupled ocean-atmosphere climate system and includes the largest ocean current on earth, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). It is furthermore the most important ocean region for the uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide and heat from the atmosphere and cold and dense bottom waters form on the shelves surrounding Antarctica.&nbsp;

Interactions of the Southern Ocean with Antarctic glaciers and ice shelves are the main drivers of present, past, and future Antarctic ice sheet mass balance and thus global sea-level change. Biologically, the Southern Ocean is a high-productivity area with high biodiversity. The Southern Ocean is also one of the most remote and harshest areas of the world with extensive sea-ice cover and year-round severe weather conditions. Despite its remoteness and hostility, human activities are increasingly extending into this distant part of the world, examples including research, fisheries, and tourism.

Precise bathymetric information as e.g. provided by the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO) and the Digital Bathymetric Model of the Drake Passage (DBM-BATDRAKE) is paramount to better understand the Southern Ocean and its processes as well as for human activities and conservation and management measures. IBCSO aims to provide the most comprehensive compilation of bathymetric data for this region.

[ with inputs from&nbsp;International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean and&nbsp;Nippon Foundation -GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project]

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Scientists have made a bathymetric chart mapping the ocean floor of Antarctica’s encircling southern ocean covering 48 million sq km. Knowing the depth and shape of the seafloor is fundamental for understanding ocean circulation, tides, tsunami forecasting, fishing resources, sediment transport, environmental change, underwater geo-hazards, infrastructure construction and maintenance, cable and pipeline routing and much more.

Scientists have made a bathymetric chart mapping the ocean floor of Antarctica’s encircling southern ocean covering 48 million sq km. Knowing the depth and shape of the seafloor is fundamental for understanding ocean circulation, tides, tsunami forecasting, fishing resources, sediment transport, environmental change, underwater geo-hazards, infrastructure construction and maintenance, cable and pipeline routing and much more. The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica is a region that is key to a range of climatic and oceanographic processes with worldwide effects and is characterised by high biological productivity and biodiversity. Since 2013, the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO) has represented the most comprehensive compilation of bathymetry for the Southern Ocean south of 60°S. Recently, the IBCSO Project has combined its efforts with the Nippon Foundation -GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project supporting the goal of mapping the world's oceans by 2030. Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between the Nippon Foundation, a Japanese non-profit philanthropic organisation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans(GEBCO), an international group of mapping experts. It aims to bring together all available bathymetric data to produce the definitive map of the world ocean floor by 2030 and make it available to all. The project was launched at the United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference in June 2017 and is aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal #14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. Despite many years of effort, less than 20 per cent of the world’s ocean seafloor has been mapped. A coordinated international effort is needed to bring together all existing data sets and to identify areas for future surveys - to help 'map the gaps'. The Southern Ocean is a major component of the coupled ocean-atmosphere climate system and includes the largest ocean current on earth, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). It is furthermore the most important ocean region for the uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide and heat from the atmosphere and cold and dense bottom waters form on the shelves surrounding Antarctica. Interactions of the Southern Ocean with Antarctic glaciers and ice shelves are the main drivers of present, past, and future Antarctic ice sheet mass balance and thus global sea-level change. Biologically, the Southern Ocean is a high-productivity area with high biodiversity. The Southern Ocean is also one of the most remote and harshest areas of the world with extensive sea-ice cover and year-round severe weather conditions. Despite its remoteness and hostility, human activities are increasingly extending into this distant part of the world, examples including research, fisheries, and tourism. Precise bathymetric information as e.g. provided by the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO) and the Digital Bathymetric Model of the Drake Passage (DBM-BATDRAKE) is paramount to better understand the Southern Ocean and its processes as well as for human activities and conservation and management measures. IBCSO aims to provide the most comprehensive compilation of bathymetric data for this region. [ with inputs from International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean and Nippon Foundation -GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists map Antarctic ocean, reveal never-before-seen visuals

Barge P305, which sank during Cyclone Tauktae fury six days ago, was located on the seabed on Saturday, the Navy said, while it continued the search for 20 missing personnel from two vessels.&nbsp;

There was no trace yet of nine personnel from barge P305 and 11 from tugboat Varaprada while the death toll on P305 rose to 66 with the recovery of six more bodies during the day, a Navy spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Barge P305 has been located on the seabed after systematic search by INS Makar employing advanced side scan sonar while search for the missing personnel will continue through the night, he said.&nbsp;

The Navy also deployed specialised diving teams to boost the search and rescue operations (SAR). "So far, 66 mortal remains have been recovered. The SAR ops are continuing through the night," the spokesperson said. "To augment the ongoing SAR ops for the missing crew of Barge P305 and Tug Varaprada, specialised diving teams onboard INS Makar with side-scan sonar and INS Tarasa sailed out early morning today from Mumbai," the Navy spokesperson had tweeted earlier in the day.&nbsp;

Of the 261 personnel, who were on barge P305, 186 have been rescued so far, 66 are dead and nine are missing. Of the 13 persons on Varaprada, two have been rescued. While all the 440 persons on barges Gal Constructor and Support Station 3 (SS-3) and drillship Sagar Bhushan were brought ashore to safety, Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the Mumbai coast as the search and rescue operations entered the sixth day on Saturday. &nbsp;

Struggling to establish the identity of almost half the victims of the P305 barge tragedy, police initiated the process of conducting the DNA testing of the bodies, an official said on Saturday. &nbsp;

A Mumbai police spokesperson said the Navy has handed over the bodies recovered so far to the city police. As many as 41 bodies were handed over to the relatives after the completion of formalities, he said. &nbsp;

Barge P-305, which housed personnel engaged in maintenance work of an offshore oil drilling platform of state-run oil and gas major ONGC, sank on Monday evening off the Mumbai coast during the cyclone. The barge had gone adrift in the cyclone fury before sinking. Some bodies are decomposed, some others have deep injuries and therefore, they are beyond recognition, the official said. &nbsp;

Blood samples of the deceased and their immediate relatives are being collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Kalina in Mumbai, he said. "After the samples are matched, the bodies will be handed over to the respective family members," he said, adding that the DNA sampling process is expected to be completed in the next three days. &nbsp;

RT-PCR tests to ascertain whether the victims had COVID-19 infection were also conducted, he said. Mumbai police have also announced they will conduct a probe as to why the ill-fated barge remained in the turbulent area despite warnings about cyclone Tauktae, an official said. The police have also registered accidental death reports in connection with the death of the personnel on the barge. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Barge P305, which sank during Cyclone Tauktae fury six days ago, was located on the seabed on Saturday, the Navy said, while it continued the search for 20 missing personnel from two vessels.

Barge P305, which sank during Cyclone Tauktae fury six days ago, was located on the seabed on Saturday, the Navy said, while it continued the search for 20 missing personnel from two vessels. There was no trace yet of nine personnel from barge P305 and 11 from tugboat Varaprada while the death toll on P305 rose to 66 with the recovery of six more bodies during the day, a Navy spokesperson said. Barge P305 has been located on the seabed after systematic search by INS Makar employing advanced side scan sonar while search for the missing personnel will continue through the night, he said. The Navy also deployed specialised diving teams to boost the search and rescue operations (SAR). "So far, 66 mortal remains have been recovered. The SAR ops are continuing through the night," the spokesperson said. "To augment the ongoing SAR ops for the missing crew of Barge P305 and Tug Varaprada, specialised diving teams onboard INS Makar with side-scan sonar and INS Tarasa sailed out early morning today from Mumbai," the Navy spokesperson had tweeted earlier in the day. Of the 261 personnel, who were on barge P305, 186 have been rescued so far, 66 are dead and nine are missing. Of the 13 persons on Varaprada, two have been rescued. While all the 440 persons on barges Gal Constructor and Support Station 3 (SS-3) and drillship Sagar Bhushan were brought ashore to safety, Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the Mumbai coast as the search and rescue operations entered the sixth day on Saturday. Struggling to establish the identity of almost half the victims of the P305 barge tragedy, police initiated the process of conducting the DNA testing of the bodies, an official said on Saturday. A Mumbai police spokesperson said the Navy has handed over the bodies recovered so far to the city police. As many as 41 bodies were handed over to the relatives after the completion of formalities, he said. Barge P-305, which housed personnel engaged in maintenance work of an offshore oil drilling platform of state-run oil and gas major ONGC, sank on Monday evening off the Mumbai coast during the cyclone. The barge had gone adrift in the cyclone fury before sinking. Some bodies are decomposed, some others have deep injuries and therefore, they are beyond recognition, the official said. Blood samples of the deceased and their immediate relatives are being collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Kalina in Mumbai, he said. "After the samples are matched, the bodies will be handed over to the respective family members," he said, adding that the DNA sampling process is expected to be completed in the next three days. RT-PCR tests to ascertain whether the victims had COVID-19 infection were also conducted, he said. Mumbai police have also announced they will conduct a probe as to why the ill-fated barge remained in the turbulent area despite warnings about cyclone Tauktae, an official said. The police have also registered accidental death reports in connection with the death of the personnel on the barge. (With inputs from agencies)

Barge P305 located on seabed, Indian Navy continues search for 20 missing personnel  

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