Dark streaks on Mars have long been a topic of debate among scientists, with many believing they were a sign of liquid water existing on the planet. However, new research suggests that these streaks may not be caused by flowing water at all.
Using satellite images of over 86,000 high-resolution pictures, researchers found no evidence to support the theory that liquid water was responsible for the formation of these dark markings. Instead, they believe wind and dust are more likely culprits, with their analysis revealing a correlation between streaks and areas with stronger winds and heavier dust activity.
The researchers created a global map of Martian slope streaks and compared it to databases and catalogs of other factors such as temperature, wind speed, and rockslide activity. They found that streaks tend to appear in areas with fresh impact craters, where the shock from an impact might shake loose thin layers of fine dust.
This new understanding is crucial in unlocking the secrets of Mars and guiding future exploration efforts. By using a big data approach to study these patterns from orbit, scientists can eliminate certain possibilities without having to send costly missions to the surface.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/dark-streaks-on-mars-may-not-come-from-water-after-all-scientists-say