Even though it is smaller than Earth, Mars' gravity directly influences the climate on Earth. The discovery was made by a group of scientists from the University of Sydney together with a French researcher from Sorbonne University.
The group of researchers recently published their conclusions in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
Periods of greater or lesser luminosity on Earth are dictated by Mars
New discoveries show that Mars has an influence on light cycles on Earth Image generated by AI Microsoft Designer
According to the study published by the group of researchers, in each cycle of 2.4 million years, the Earth goes through periods of greater or lesser luminosity that are influenced by the orbit of Mars.
This change in luminosity causes changes in atmospheric energy which, as a consequence, leads to the accumulation of sediments at the bottom of the oceans.
But let's go into details. In a cycle of greater luminosity on Earth, there is more heat in the Earth's atmosphere and also more energy. This will give strength to the winds and enough power to the whirlpools to clean the bottom of the oceans.
In phases of less luminosity and, consequently, less energy, sediments accumulate at the bottom of the seas.
But proving the influence of Mars on these 2.4 million year cycles can be challenging, since there are a huge variety of factors that have a direct effect on Earth's climate.
However, the sedimentation found at the bottom of the oceans by this team is in line with the period under investigation. And if this information is confirmed, we have good news.
All because if the ocean waters remained still, oxygen would be limited to the surface, which could compromise all marine life at the bottom of the oceans.
The new discovery points out that a higher global temperature can bring more atmospheric energy, capable of moving the ocean floor and ensuring the circulation of oxygen in the sea.
One of those responsible for the study also points to the hypothesis that Earth could also influence Mars. However, for now it is not yet possible to find evidence of this influence and what its consequences are on Mars.