Sublimation landscapes on Mars - Revision history

Suitupshowup: /* Brain Terrain */

2025-06-04T14:27:22Z

Brain Terrain

Suitupshowup: added ref

2025-05-03T19:19:36Z

added ref

Suitupandshowup: /* External links */

2020-03-23T12:50:19Z

External links

Suitupandshowup: /* External links */ added link

2020-03-23T12:49:30Z

External links: added link

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2020-03-23T12:36:24Z

External links: added link

Suitupandshowup at 22:28, 21 March 2020

2020-03-21T22:28:22Z

Suitupandshowup at 00:08, 16 February 2020

2020-02-16T00:08:59Z

Jburk at 21:03, 6 May 2019

2019-05-06T21:03:09Z

Suitupandshowup: /* Gullies */

2019-02-07T20:26:17Z

Gullies

Suitupandshowup: /* Brain Terrain */

2019-02-07T20:24:23Z

Brain Terrain

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:27, 4 June 2025
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	Today, most of the water has left the planet, but a substantial amount is left frozen the ground and in a material called “latitude dependent mantle.” After cracks form in the frozen ground and mantle, the fun begins. The cracks greatly increase the surface area over which water can sublimate. Water sublimates and leaves behind dust. The dust insulates the ground below from losing more water for a time or, at times the dust can be blown away. This process creates various holes and pits on the surface.		Today, most of the water has left the planet, but a substantial amount is left frozen the ground and in a material called “latitude dependent mantle.” After cracks form in the frozen ground and mantle, the fun begins. The cracks greatly increase the surface area over which water can sublimate. Water sublimates and leaves behind dust. The dust insulates the ground below from losing more water for a time or, at times the dust can be blown away. This process creates various holes and pits on the surface.
	A common feature in ice-rich ground is “brain terrain.” So named for its resemblance to the human brain. Sublimation is greatly increased along the surface of cracks.<ref> Mangold, N (2003). "Geomorphic analysis of lobate debris aprons on Mars at Mars Orbiter Camera scale: Evidence for ice sublimation initiated by fractures." J. Geophys. Res. 108: 8021. </ref> In time, some broad ridges are left which may still contain some water-ice.<ref>https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_058008_2225</ref> The cracks form random patterns So the high and low points are random, thus looking like the outside of our brains. Initially the ridges are wide making what’s called “closed brain terrain;” later when ice leaves the core of the wide ridges, “open brain terrain” results.<ref>Levy, J., J. Head, D. Marchant. 2009. Concentric crater fill in Utopia Planitia: History and interaction between glacial “brain terrain” and periglacial mantle processes. Icarus 202, 462–476.</ref>		A common feature in ice-rich ground is “brain terrain.” So named for its resemblance to the human brain. Sublimation is greatly increased along the surface of cracks.<ref> Mangold, N (2003). "Geomorphic analysis of lobate debris aprons on Mars at Mars Orbiter Camera scale: Evidence for ice sublimation initiated by fractures." J. Geophys. Res. 108: 8021. </ref> In time, some broad ridges are left which may still contain some water-ice.<ref>https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_058008_2225</ref> The cracks form random patterns So the high and low points are random, thus looking like the outside of our brains. Initially the ridges are wide making what’s called “closed brain terrain;” later when ice leaves the core of the wide ridges, “open brain terrain” results.<ref>Levy, J., J. Head, D. Marchant. 2009. Concentric crater fill in Utopia Planitia: History and interaction between glacial “brain terrain” and periglacial mantle processes. Icarus 202, 462–476.</ref>
		+
		+	However, not all the details of brain terrain formation has been worked out. Brain terrain remains as one of the unsolved mysteries on Mars because we do not totally understand it.<ref>https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_058008_2225</ref>

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:19, 3 May 2025
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	Today, most of the water has left the planet, but a substantial amount is left frozen the ground and in a material called “latitude dependent mantle.” After cracks form in the frozen ground and mantle, the fun begins. The cracks greatly increase the surface area over which water can sublimate. Water sublimates and leaves behind dust. The dust insulates the ground below from losing more water for a time or, at times the dust can be blown away. This process creates various holes and pits on the surface.		Today, most of the water has left the planet, but a substantial amount is left frozen the ground and in a material called “latitude dependent mantle.” After cracks form in the frozen ground and mantle, the fun begins. The cracks greatly increase the surface area over which water can sublimate. Water sublimates and leaves behind dust. The dust insulates the ground below from losing more water for a time or, at times the dust can be blown away. This process creates various holes and pits on the surface.
−	A common feature in ice-rich ground is “brain terrain.” So named for its resemblance to the human brain. Sublimation is greatly increased along the surface of cracks.<ref> Mangold, N (2003). "Geomorphic analysis of lobate debris aprons on Mars at Mars Orbiter Camera scale: Evidence for ice sublimation initiated by fractures." J. Geophys. Res. 108: 8021. </ref> In time, some broad ridges are left which may still contain some water-ice. The cracks form random patterns So the high and low points are random, thus looking like the outside of our brains. Initially the ridges are wide making what’s called “closed brain terrain;” later when ice leaves the core of the wide ridges, “open brain terrain” results.<ref>Levy, J., J. Head, D. Marchant. 2009. Concentric crater fill in Utopia Planitia: History and interaction between glacial “brain terrain” and periglacial mantle processes. Icarus 202, 462–476.</ref>	+	A common feature in ice-rich ground is “brain terrain.” So named for its resemblance to the human brain. Sublimation is greatly increased along the surface of cracks.<ref> Mangold, N (2003). "Geomorphic analysis of lobate debris aprons on Mars at Mars Orbiter Camera scale: Evidence for ice sublimation initiated by fractures." J. Geophys. Res. 108: 8021. </ref> In time, some broad ridges are left which may still contain some water-ice.<ref>https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_058008_2225</ref> The cracks form random patterns So the high and low points are random, thus looking like the outside of our brains. Initially the ridges are wide making what’s called “closed brain terrain;” later when ice leaves the core of the wide ridges, “open brain terrain” results.<ref>Levy, J., J. Head, D. Marchant. 2009. Concentric crater fill in Utopia Planitia: History and interaction between glacial “brain terrain” and periglacial mantle processes. Icarus 202, 462–476.</ref>

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 *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNTNzQy1_UA Walks on Mars - Jim Secosky - 16th Annual International Mars Society Convention]
-*[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUUKcZaTgA Jim Secosky - Martian Ice - 16th Annual International Mars Society Convention]]
+*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUUKcZaTgA Jim Secosky - Martian Ice - 16th Annual International Mars Society Convention]
-* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXBfz1iVzc]] Video demonstrates how dry ice can form gullies on dunes
+* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXBfz1iVzc  Video demonstrates how dry ice can form gullies on dunes]
-*[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1UU8XSMHmM Pictures of gullies on dunes]]
+*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1UU8XSMHmM Pictures of gullies on dunes]
-*[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZpJqlzCRpw Demonstration of dry ice moving down dunes ]]
+*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZpJqlzCRpw Demonstration of dry ice moving down dunes ]
 [[Category:Topography]]

@@ Line 82: / Line 82: @@
 {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
 ==External links==
 *[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUUKcZaTgA Jim Secosky - Martian Ice - 16th Annual International Mars Society Convention]]
 * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXBfz1iVzc]] Video demonstrates how dry ice can form gullies on dunes

@@ Line 82: / Line 82: @@
 {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
 ==External links==
+*[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUUKcZaTgA Jim Secosky - Martian Ice - 16th Annual International Mars Society Convention]]
 * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXBfz1iVzc]] Video demonstrates how dry ice can form gullies on dunes
 *[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1UU8XSMHmM Pictures of gullies on dunes]]

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 A common feature in ice-rich ground is “brain terrain.”  So named for its resemblance to the human brain.    Sublimation is greatly increased along the surface of cracks.<ref> Mangold, N (2003). "Geomorphic analysis of lobate debris aprons on Mars at Mars Orbiter Camera scale: Evidence for ice sublimation initiated by fractures."  J. Geophys. Res. 108: 8021. </ref>    In time, some broad ridges are left which may still contain some water-ice.  The cracks form random patterns  So the high and low points are random, thus looking like the outside of our brains.  Initially the ridges are wide making what’s called “closed brain terrain;” later when ice leaves the core of the wide ridges, “open brain terrain” results.<ref>Levy, J., J. Head, D. Marchant. 2009. Concentric crater fill in Utopia Planitia: History and interaction between glacial “brain terrain” and periglacial mantle processes. Icarus 202, 462–476.</ref>
-<gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px" >
 File:53642 2225brains.jpg |Open and closed brain terrain
 File:45507 2200brains.jpg |Brain terrain
@@ Line 18: / Line 19: @@
 Sometimes large amounts of ice leave along the cracks and the cracks are bigger, but less in number.  Eventually, wide canyons appear.  This forms what has been called “ribbed terrain.”<ref> Baker, D., J. Head. 2015. Extensive Middle Amazonian mantling of debris aprons and plains in Deuteronilus Mensae, Mars: Implication for the record of mid-latitude glaciation. Icarus: 260, 269-288.</ref>   A wide version of this sometimes forms wide canyons where the ground seems to be hollowed out.  These places can be very beautiful.
-<gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px" >
 File:ESP 042554 2245ribbedterrain.jpg|Ribbed terrain  Sublimation along narrow cracks cause ribbed terrain with wide  troughs to form.
@@ Line 33: / Line 35: @@
-<gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px" >
+<gallery class="center"  widths="380px" heights="360px">
 File:44042 2240scallopedterrain.jpg |thumb|200px|center|Scalloped terrain   The steep wall faces the north pole.  Studies from orbit have shown the presence of ice in these formations.
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 In mid-latitudes, gullies are common in large areas in both the northern and southern hemisphere.  They occur on steep slopes like crater walls.<ref> Malin, M.; Edgett, K. (2000). "Evidence for recent groundwater seepage and surface runoff on Mars". Science. 288: 2330–2335</ref> <ref> Edgett, K.; et al. (2003). "Polar-and middle-latitude martian gullies: A view from MGS MOC after 2 Mars years in the mapping orbit" (PDF). Lunar Planet. Sci. 34. Abstract 1038.</ref>  For many years, they were thought to be caused by running water.  However, closer examination over a period of years, revealed that some are growing under present conditions where liquid water is not possible.<ref>https://scitechdaily.com/linear-gullies-on-mars-caused-by-sliding-dry-ice</ref>  Experiments on Earth demonstrated that chunks of dry ice moving down slopes could create gullies with a similar appearance.  So, at least some of the gullies are being formed by dry ice building up in the winter and then causing erosion as they slide downhill in the warm spring.<ref>http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/Aug03/MartianGullies.html</ref> <ref>Diniega, S.; Byrne, S.; Bridges, N. T.; Dundas, C. M.; McEwen, A. S. (2010). "Seasonality of present-day Martian dune-gully activity". Geology. 38: 1047–1050.</ref> <ref>NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "Study links fresh Mars gullies to carbon dioxide." ScienceDaily 30 October 2010. 10 March 2011</ref>  This process is aided by carbon dioxide vapor jetting off the dry ice and lifting it a bit.<ref>https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/jun/HQ_13-180_Mars_Dry_Ice_Gullies.html#.WXDOT4WcGUk</ref>  Note that present growth of gullies happens just as the temperature rises to where dry ice can easily sublimate.
-<gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px" >
 File:ESP 044707 2285gullies.jpg|Gullies along mesa wall in Arcadia quadrangle
 File:ESP 037506 2285gullychannels.jpg|Gullies along a steep slope
@@ Line 75: / Line 79: @@
 ==References==
 {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
 ==External links==
 * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXBfz1iVzc]] Video demonstrates how dry ice can form gullies on dunes
 *[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1UU8XSMHmM Pictures of gullies on dunes]]

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-Due to the thin atmosphere and extreme cold on Mars, sublimation is very significant in creating Water ice to water vapor.
+Sublimation is the process where a solid goes directly to a gas.  It is easily seen with dry ice on Earth.  A chunk of dry ice on the Earth will just disappear without leaving any trace of a liquid.  Due to the thin atmosphere and extreme cold on Mars, sublimation is very significant in changing water ice to water vapor.  It is believed that much of the ground on Mars contains a great deal of ice.  Dust is also present in varying amounts with the ice.
-There is much evidence that the Red Planet once held much water.  It  probably had streams, rivers, lakes, and perhaps an ocean.
+There is much evidence that the Red Planet once held much water.  It  probably had streams, rivers, lakes, and perhaps an ocean. Today, nearly all water ice is frozen at the poles or in the ground.  Many areas contain much ice that has been preserved for millions of years beneath a cover of dust and other debris.  If cracks occur, ice sublimates along the surface.  Any dust remaining will eventually be blown away by the wind.  The resulting surface will then display various low spots, cracks, and canyons.
 ==Brain Terrain==

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:03, 6 May 2019
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−	[[~~category~~:~~climate]]~~	+	[[Category:Topography]]
−	~~[[category:physics~~]]

@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 ==Gullies==
-In mid-latitudes, gullies are common in large areas in both the northern and southern hemisphere.  They occur on steep slopes like crater walls.<ref> Malin, M.; Edgett, K. (2000). "Evidence for recent groundwater seepage and surface runoff on Mars". Science. 288: 2330–2335</ref> <ref> Edgett, K.; et al. (2003). "Polar-and middle-latitude martian gullies: A view from MGS MOC after 2 Mars years in the mapping orbit" (PDF). Lunar Planet. Sci. 34. Abstract 1038.</ref>  For many years, they were thought to be caused by running water.  However, closer examination over a period of years revealed that some are growing under present conditions where liquid water is not possible.<ref>https://scitechdaily.com/linear-gullies-on-mars-caused-by-sliding-dry-ice</ref>  Experiments on Earth demonstrated that chunks of dry ice moving down slopes could create gullies with a similar appearance.  So, at least some of the gullies are being formed by dry ice building up in the winter and then causing erosion as they slide downhill in the warm spring.<ref>http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/Aug03/MartianGullies.html</ref> <ref>Diniega, S.; Byrne, S.; Bridges, N. T.; Dundas, C. M.; McEwen, A. S. (2010). "Seasonality of present-day Martian dune-gully activity". Geology. 38: 1047–1050.</ref> <ref>NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "Study links fresh Mars gullies to carbon dioxide." ScienceDaily 30 October 2010. 10 March 2011</ref>  This process is aided by carbon dioxide vapor jetting off the dry ice and lifting it a bit.<ref>https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/jun/HQ_13-180_Mars_Dry_Ice_Gullies.html#.WXDOT4WcGUk</ref>  Note that present growth of gullies happens just as the temperature rises to where dry ice can easily sublimate.
+In mid-latitudes, gullies are common in large areas in both the northern and southern hemisphere.  They occur on steep slopes like crater walls.<ref> Malin, M.; Edgett, K. (2000). "Evidence for recent groundwater seepage and surface runoff on Mars". Science. 288: 2330–2335</ref> <ref> Edgett, K.; et al. (2003). "Polar-and middle-latitude martian gullies: A view from MGS MOC after 2 Mars years in the mapping orbit" (PDF). Lunar Planet. Sci. 34. Abstract 1038.</ref>  For many years, they were thought to be caused by running water.  However, closer examination over a period of years, revealed that some are growing under present conditions where liquid water is not possible.<ref>https://scitechdaily.com/linear-gullies-on-mars-caused-by-sliding-dry-ice</ref>  Experiments on Earth demonstrated that chunks of dry ice moving down slopes could create gullies with a similar appearance.  So, at least some of the gullies are being formed by dry ice building up in the winter and then causing erosion as they slide downhill in the warm spring.<ref>http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/Aug03/MartianGullies.html</ref> <ref>Diniega, S.; Byrne, S.; Bridges, N. T.; Dundas, C. M.; McEwen, A. S. (2010). "Seasonality of present-day Martian dune-gully activity". Geology. 38: 1047–1050.</ref> <ref>NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "Study links fresh Mars gullies to carbon dioxide." ScienceDaily 30 October 2010. 10 March 2011</ref>  This process is aided by carbon dioxide vapor jetting off the dry ice and lifting it a bit.<ref>https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/jun/HQ_13-180_Mars_Dry_Ice_Gullies.html#.WXDOT4WcGUk</ref>  Note that present growth of gullies happens just as the temperature rises to where dry ice can easily sublimate.
 <gallery class="center" widths="190px" heights="180px" >

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 ==Brain Terrain==
-Today, most of the water has left the planet, but a substantial amount is left frozen the ground and in a material called “latitude dependent mantle.”  After cracks form in the frozen ground and mantle, the fun begins.  The cracks greatly increase the surface area over which water can sublimate.  Water sublimates and leaves behind dust.  The dust can insulated the ground below from losing more water for a time or, at times the dust can be blown away.  This process creates various holes and pits on the surface.
+Today, most of the water has left the planet, but a substantial amount is left frozen the ground and in a material called “latitude dependent mantle.”  After cracks form in the frozen ground and mantle, the fun begins.  The cracks greatly increase the surface area over which water can sublimate.  Water sublimates and leaves behind dust.  The dust insulates the ground below from losing more water for a time or, at times the dust can be blown away.  This process creates various holes and pits on the surface.
 A common feature in ice-rich ground is “brain terrain.”  So named for its resemblance to the human brain.    Sublimation is greatly increased along the surface of cracks.<ref> Mangold, N (2003). "Geomorphic analysis of lobate debris aprons on Mars at Mars Orbiter Camera scale: Evidence for ice sublimation initiated by fractures."  J. Geophys. Res. 108: 8021. </ref>    In time, some broad ridges are left which may still contain some water-ice.  The cracks form random patterns  So the high and low points are random, thus looking like the outside of our brains.  Initially the ridges are wide making what’s called “closed brain terrain;” later when ice leaves the core of the wide ridges, “open brain terrain” results.<ref>Levy, J., J. Head, D. Marchant. 2009. Concentric crater fill in Utopia Planitia: History and interaction between glacial “brain terrain” and periglacial mantle processes. Icarus 202, 462–476.</ref>