Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jun 1979
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979newsc..82.1083h&link_type=abstract
New Scientist, vol. 82, June 28, 1979, p. 1083-1085.
Mathematics
Logic
2
Climatology, Mars Atmosphere, Planetary Evolution, Viking Mars Program, Water Currents, Abundance, Channels, Geological Surveys, Gravitational Fields, Mariner 9 Space Probe, Mars Craters, Mars Surface, Water Erosion, Mars, Viking, History, Origin, Channels, Ages, Flow, Volcanism, Seasons, Water, Surface, Martian, Clouds, Atmosphere, Climate, Terrain, Topography, Erosion
Scientific paper
The evolution of the Martian climate and atmosphere is discussed, with special attention to evidence for changes in the abundance of water and water vapor. The shape of the channel-like features revealed by Mariner 9 imagery indicates that they were formed by water or a water-like fluid. Impact crater data indicate that channel formation probably occurred 100 to several 1000 million years ago. Large channels originating in chaotic terrain apparently resulted from a sudden catastrophic release of water from subterranean reservoirs; the smaller channels making up the dendritic network may have formed by sapping, a process that could have involved a permafrost layer. These channels, together with such evidence as the discontinuously higher degree of erosion in older craters and thick sediments partially covering old craters, indicate that the Martian climate may have been more corrosive in the past than at present. The observations are consistent with a scenario in which a relatively dense primordial atmosphere dwindled as light gases escaped the gravity field of Mars. Lava flows and the layered strata at the poles provide evidence that dynamical changes in the Martian climate have occurred.
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