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Evidence for the abundance of water on Mars now and in the pastThis paper discusses evidence for the abundance of water on Mars early in its history, based on the analysis of the Viking 1 and 2 images and the Martian-atmosphere water measurements. It is argued that integrated networks of small valleys in the ancient cratered terrain of Mars may indicate that the planet once possessed a warmer climate. It is pointed out that most Martian outflow channels originate from the regions of collapsed and disrupted terrain, suggesting that they were formed by a catastrophic release of groundwater. The question of the fate of Martian water is discussed, and arguments are presented suggesting that the Martian crust may retain significant porosity to a depth of 10 km and may possess a total pore volume sufficient to store a global layer of water 0.5-1.5 km deep.
Document ID
19890060947
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Clifford, Stephen M.
(Lunar and Planetary Institute Houston, TX, United States)
Greeley, Ronald
(Arizona State University Tempe, United States)
Haberle, Robert M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Earth in Space
Volume: 1
ISSN: 1040-3124
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
89A48318
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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