Figure 11-34: R I V U X G
Sign of Ancient Martian Water (a) This Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter image shows patterns from flowing water almost identical to those caused by rainfall in deserts on Earth. No rain falls in today’s sparse Martian atmosphere, so these must date from an earlier era when the atmosphere was thicker. (b) These features rise above the floor of Ares Valles. They were carved out by a torrent of water that flowed from the bottom of the image toward the top. Similar flood-carved islands are found on Earth in eastern Washington State.
Sign of Ancient Martian Water (a) This Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter image shows patterns from flowing water almost identical to those caused by rainfall in deserts on Earth. No rain falls in today’s sparse Martian atmosphere, so these must date from an earlier era when the atmosphere was thicker. (b) These features rise above the floor of Ares Valles. They were carved out by a torrent of water that flowed from the bottom of the image toward the top. Similar flood-carved islands are found on Earth in eastern Washington State.
(a: NASA/JPL/U. of Arizona; b: NASA/USGS)