Glacier Found Near Mars’ Equator Suggests Implications for the Planet’s Habitability
A relict glacier near the equator of Mars has been discovered by scientists.
The glacier suggests the presence of surface water ice on the planet in recent times.
The discovery implies that there may still be ice at shallow depths in the area, which could have significant implications for future human exploration.
The glacier is estimated to be 6 km long & up to 4 km wide, with a surface elevation ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 km.
The discovery shows that Mars’ recent history may have been wetter than previously thought, which could have implications for understanding the planet’s habitability.
The glacier was formed when salt formed on top of a glacier while preserving the shape of the ice below.
Over time, erosion removed the blanketing volcanic materials, exposing a crusty layer of sulfates, which explains how a salt deposit is now visible, presenting features unique to glaciers such as crevasses & moraine bands
The researchers believe the glacier is geologically young, likely from the Amazonian geological period, which includes modern Mars.
The discovery could offer insight into how surface salts on Mars might offer protection to otherwise sublimation-vulnerable ice at low latitudes on the planet.
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