Scientists have found an explanation for periodic wet climates on Mars—an otherwise frozen planet—which account for evidence of past lakes contained in the planet’s sediment.. According to new research, it’s likely that the planet is sometimes warmed by bursts of methane that’s trapped under Mars’ subsurface. Like on Earth, methane can be stored in Martian […]
Tag: mars
Martian slopes may be carved by boiling water
The streaks sometimes observed appearing and lengthening on the Martian surface may be carved by boiling water, according to a new study. Researchers came to this conclusion after studying how water interacts with soil under Mars-like conditions in the lab here on Earth. The team placed an ice-block on top of a sandy slope and observed […]
Martian crust shows similarities to the Earth’s oldest continental crust
Silica-rich rocks found in the Martian crust shows ancient Mars may have been more similar to Earth than previously thought. These rocks are similar to some of the Earth’s oldest continental crust, which have, until now, only been observed in small, localized areas on Mars. The new findings suggest the the Red Planet has experienced […]
A place for life to form on the Martian surface?
Thin films of liquid brines which could hypothetically support life may form daily on soil on Mars and evaporate overnight, according to a new study. The Curiosity rover, which is traversing Gale crater on equatorial region of Mars, has detected a type of salt called perchlorate. Perchlorate salts both lower the freezing temperature […]
Wind-sculpted canyons
Winds could be responsible for the shape of some modern canyons on Earth and other planets such as Mars, according to a new study. Researchers analysed a set of river gorges in the Chilean Andes where some of the canyons are exposed to strong winds, and others are shielded. They found that wind explained differences […]
Research uncovering the mysteries of the Red Planet
University of Alberta PhD candidate Ross Lockwood is one of six team members currently camped 8,000 ft. above sea level on the side of a Hawaiian volcano. They are working to advance our understanding of Mars and its potential for life, and have chosen this location for its likeness to the Red Planet. The team is […]
