A new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience suggests that the presence of rolling terrain on other planets could be an indicator of the presence of life. The study, led by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, found that the formation of rolling terrain on Earth is influenced by the presence of vegetation and water, which are both essential for life.
The researchers analyzed data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) to identify rolling terrain on Mars. They found that rolling terrain is more common in regions with evidence of past water activity, such as river valleys and deltas. The researchers also found that rolling terrain is more likely to occur in areas with a higher surface roughness, which is consistent with the presence of vegetation.
The researchers believe that the presence of rolling terrain on other planets could be an indication of the presence of past life, or even the potential for current life. The study provides a new way to identify potential landing sites for future missions to Mars and other planets.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_k1Y05_wC4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_k1Y05_wC4)
* [Rolling Terrain on Mars Could Help Identify Signs of Life](https://www.space.com/mars-rolling-terrain-signs-life)
* [New Study Suggests Rolling Terrain on Other Planets Could Be a Sign of Life](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecarlton/2020/11/16/new-study-suggests-rolling-terrain-on-other-planets-could-be-a-sign-of-life/?sh=2b6c2a1c1b51)
* [How Rolling Terrain Rolls: New Study Could Help Identify Signs of Life on Other Planets](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/rolling-terrain-rolls-new-study-could-help-identify-signs-of-life-on-other-planets)
