Frozen dunes discovered on Mars provide important clues about the existence of water and the possibility of life on the planet.
In images taken by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), AnthemFrozen dunes in the shape of “kidney beans” were discovered in the northern hemisphere of . These dunes lie dormant during the winter months because they are covered with carbon dioxide ice. The photographs are used to understand whether water once existed on Mars and whether the planet had conditions that could support life. The structure and change of frozen dunes can provide important information about the past climate of Mars.
The Importance of Frozen Dunes on Mars
Carbon dioxide ice on these dunes prevents the sand from moving with the wind. This situation, which occurs during the winter months on Mars, continues until the ice melts in the spring. Although ice is composed of carbon dioxide, these images play a critical role in understanding whether water existed on the surface of Mars for long periods of time. If water existed long enough in the past, this raises the possibility that microbial life may have formed on the planet.
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The axial tilt of Mars causes carbon dioxide ice to periodically turn into gas. This may have made the planet’s atmosphere thicker in the past. A thicker atmosphere could allow the long-term existence of liquid water. This is a promising clue for scientists looking for signs of life on Mars.
By examining such geological formations on Mars, scientists aim to better understand the planet’s climate history. Observing how carbon dioxide ice changes with the seasons is an important step in understanding Mars’ climate changes over time. If stable liquid water was once found on Mars, this means the planet may have supported microbial life.