Weathering Processes on Martian Craters: Implications on Recurring Slope Lineae and the Location of Liquid Water

Abstract

Recent attention has been put into recurring slope lineae (RSL), after the discovery that water is present in them. It is assumed that RSL are due to flowing water. However, even though that might be the case, the general characteristics of RSL as well as their seasonal and spatial distribution in Mars, and their occurrence within craters, suggest that RSL correspond to the weathering of frozen aquifers, which coincides with slope stability processes occurring in impact craters and scree slopes from Earth. In this study, we associated RSL with similar weathering processes occurring on impact craters and hydrogeological processes occurring on Earth (including ice, water, and wind erosion and natural aquifer recharge processes). We were able to create a conceptual model on how RSL develop, why are they found mostly in mid latitudes around craters, why are they present in more frequency in one side of crates in high latitudes, and why are there more RSL in the Martian southern hemisphere. Considering the whole hydrogeological processes occurring in craters that experience RSL, we were able to predict where large quantities of liquid water are most likely to be present in the red planet.

MarsLux: HI‐Resolution Illumination Maps Generator for Mars

“…This type of code can help to understand the formation of slope streaks, gullies, and recurring slope lineae. Garcia‐Chevesich et al () suggested that RSL are part of weathering processes, in which the constant freezing and thawing of water during Martian summer nights and days generate them. On the other hand, Núñez et al () argued that there is no clear indication of long‐lived liquid water to have a role in gully formation and evolution.…”

“…Moreover, the geomorphological studies, together with an analysis of the energy budget of the area of interest, would take part in the strategic decision of future emplacement of human colonies. Not only is the energy issue of importance but also the geological and geomorphological aspects—for example, the presence of local water sources (Dundas et al, ), as well as the origin of recurring slope lineae (Garcia‐Chevesich et al, ).…”