The Impossible Dream Martian Shorelines

Details The Impossible Dream Martian Shorelines The Impossible Dream Martian Shorelines

Nov 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004dps....36.4507k&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #36, #45.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 36, p.1179

Biology

Scientific paper

Shorelines, wave cut benches, and terraces frequently identified in Martian imagery have been used to imply open water on the surface of Mars. Open water has profound climate and exobiology implications. To understand Martian climate history, it is vital to understand if these features do indeed indicate stable liquid water on the surface.
Here we present the results of a quantitative study of the wave energy available in theoretical open water basins on Mars and conduct forward, 2-D modeling of shoreline features formed by the wave energy. Our results indicate that it is extremely difficult to form geomorphic features such as terraces that could be preserved through time. If indeed the identification of terraces is correct, these results force us to reconsider the formation mechanism of these surface features as well as what they imply for the climate history of Mars. In addition, if open water did existed, the geomorphic signature would likely be extremely subtle.
We gratefully acknowledge funding from GSRP to Kraal and MFR to Asphaug and Kraal.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Impossible Dream Martian Shorelines does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The Impossible Dream Martian Shorelines, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Impossible Dream Martian Shorelines will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1015457