Liquid water flows on Mars….somewhat intermittently.

Evidence has been found recently, via NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), indicating the presence of liquid water on Mars.

Dark, long streaks found on Mars’ surface (referred to as recurring slope lineae) have been an area of inquiry since 2010. Since they appear to ebb and flow with time and are present only in the warmer season, scientists have often thought that these downhill flows could be related to liquid water.

Recently, with the use of an imaging spectrometer researchers have detected signatures of hydrated minerals on these slopes. Scientists say that these salts would be responsible for lowering the freezing point of liquid brine and describe the possible liquid water as ‘a shallow subsurface flow, with enough water wicking to the surface to explain the darkening’. These salt findings suggest that either these dark streaks or the process that forms them are a source of hydration.

Recurring slope lineae where the hydrated salts were detected. Credits: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
Recurring slope lineae where the hydrated salts were detected. Credits: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

To see the full article on NASA’s website click here.

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