Mysterious Martian 'Forests' Discovered

  • Thread starter Arch2008
  • Start date
In summary, during a Martian winter, frozen carbon dioxide covers sand particles, creating a "forest" effect. However, this is actually caused by streaks left on sand dunes as carbon dioxide accumulates and evaporates. This process is very active and can be seen in images from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This phenomenon was featured in the "Where in the Universe" series on the "Universe Today" blog.
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2


Arch2008 said:
Apparently, during a Martian winter, sand particles can get stuck together and frozen carbon dioxide will cover them making a sort of “forest” from these structures.

http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/2010/0...ch-sind-das-wirklich-baeume-auf-dem-mars.html

That is such a strange and beautiful picture, from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. It was also part of the "Where in the Universe" series at the "Universe Today" blog, which many members here might enjoy. See Where In The Universe #86.

where-in-the-universe-86-580x435.jpg


The description of that "forest" is a little different. The forest like effect is not the frozen carbon dioxide itself, but streaks in the sand dunes left when sand is dislodged as carbon dioxide accumulates and sublimates again. From WITU#86:
This image shows a region of sand dunes in the high northern latitudes on Mars. The features that look like bristles, and actually streaks on the crests of the dunes. In the winter, a layer of carbon dioxide ice covers the dunes, and in the spring as the sun warms the ice it evaporates. This is a very active process, and sand dislodged from the crests of the dunes cascades down, forming dark streaks.​

By the way, #87 has just been posted. If you like, pop on over to Where in the Universe #87 and make a guess in the comments. Don't give links or details, just a brief guess, and then the answer will be up soon; probably about 12 more hours.

Cheers -- sylas
 
  • #3


Thanks!
 

Related to Mysterious Martian 'Forests' Discovered

What are the mysterious Martian 'forests'?

The mysterious Martian 'forests' are formations on the surface of Mars that resemble trees or vegetation from a distance. They were first discovered in 2017 by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

How were these Martian 'forests' formed?

The exact formation process of these Martian 'forests' is still a mystery. Some scientists believe that they may be the result of ancient lava flows or sediment deposits, while others suggest they could be the remnants of ancient microbial life.

What is the significance of these Martian 'forests'?

The discovery of these Martian 'forests' is significant because it adds to our understanding of the geological and potentially biological history of Mars. It also raises the possibility of past or present habitable conditions on the planet.

Could these Martian 'forests' support life?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that these Martian 'forests' can support life. However, their existence raises the possibility of past or present habitable conditions on Mars, which could have potentially supported microbial life.

How are scientists studying these Martian 'forests'?

Scientists are studying these Martian 'forests' using images and data collected by spacecraft orbiting the planet. They are also conducting simulations and experiments to better understand the formation and composition of these formations and their potential for supporting life.

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top