Unveiling Mars: How Burrowing CO₂ Ice Blocks Sculpted Mysterious Gullies

What’s causing those mysterious gullies on Mars? Recently, Earth scientist Dr. Lonneke Roelofs from Utrecht University conducted research on this very question. She found out that blocks of CO₂ ice might be behind these unusual formations.

In her experiments, Roelofs discovered that these ice blocks “dug” into the Martian surface much like a sandworm from the film *Dune*. Her findings were published in Geophysical Research Letters and confirmed earlier suspicions about CO₂ ice’s role in creating these gullies.

So, how does this ice behave on Mars? During the Martian winter, temperatures can drop to -120 degrees Celsius, allowing layers of CO₂ ice to form. As temperatures rise in spring, blocks of ice can break off and start to slide down dunes. This process, called sublimation, quickly turns ice into gas. The build-up of gas pressure makes the ice explode, pushing sand away and creating the gully effect.

Roelofs explains, “As the ice moves downwards, it leaves behind deep grooves with sand ridges on either side.” This is exactly what scientists observe on Mars. Interestingly, this sublimation process doesn’t happen on Earth, which adds a layer of uniqueness to Mars’s landscape.

Roelofs’s work included using a “Mars chamber” in the UK to simulate conditions on the Red Planet. “We tested different angles and slopes to see how the ice would behave,” she notes. The correct angle produced some remarkable results: the ice burrowed into the slope just like a mole.

But why study these gully formations? For Roelofs, Mars represents a chance to understand more about our own planet. “Researching other planets allows us to think outside the box,” she says. “It leads to new insights into Earth’s processes.”

Mars captivates our imagination, perhaps because it is our closest neighbor and the only rocky planet in the habitable zone of the solar system. The potential for liquid water raises questions about past life. Surveys show that interest in Mars exploration continues to grow, with many people hoping to uncover more about its mysteries.

In a recent discussion, astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson mentioned that studying Mars could offer clues about life beyond Earth. He pointed out, “If we can understand Mars, we might unlock secrets about our solar system and beyond.” This speaks to the broader significance of Roelofs’s research and ongoing exploration.

For more detailed insights on this topic, you can check out Roelofs et al.’s research [here](https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024gl112860).

Source link

Science, Physics News, Science news, Technology News, Physics, Materials, Nanotech, Technology, Science