December 11, 2008

Groundwater May Have Played Important Role in Shaping Mars

Written by Nancy Atkinson

Scientists have been intrigued and puzzled by light-toned layered deposits on Mars since the Mariner spacecraft flybys in the early 1970s.

Known as LTDs (Light Toned Deposits), they are Martian sediments that most closely resemble sediments on Earth and are some of the most mysterious features on Mars.

Causes for their origin remain unknown, and different mechanisms, including volcanic processes, have been proposed for their formation.

But recently data and images from Mars Express suggest that several LTDs were formed when large amounts of groundwater burst on to the surface. Scientists propose that groundwater had a greater role in shaping the Martian surface than previously believed, and may have sheltered primitive life forms as the planet started drying up.

Full article and images here:

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/12/11/groundwater-may-have-played-important-role-in-shaping-mars/