Ancient Water on Mars (IMAGE) Brown University Caption Although the surface is now cold and desiccated, in early Mars history water formed an open-basin lake, filling the crater, forming a delta, and breaching the lower rim as water flowed to lower elevations (blue). New research suggests that warmer temperatures and water flow on ancient Mars were likely related to periodic volcanism early in the planet's history Credit NASA/Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Rendering by James Dickson, Brown University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.