How, when and where current mass flows in Martian gullies are driven by CO2 sublimation
Martian gullies resemble water-carved gullies on Earth, yet their present-day activity cannot be explained by water-driven processes. The sublimation of CO2 has been proposed as an alternative driver for sediment transport, but how this mechanism works remains unknown. Here we combine laboratory experiments of CO2-driven granular flows under Martian atmospheric pressure with 1D climate simulation modelling to unravel how, where, and when CO2 can drive present-day gully activity. Our work shows that sublimation of CO2 ice, under Martian atmospheric conditions can fluidize sediment and creates morphologies similar to those observed on Mars. Furthermore, the modelled climatic and topographic boundary conditions for this process, align with present-day gully activity. These results have implications for the influence of water versus CO2-driven processes in gully formation and for the interpretation of gully landforms on other planets, as their existence is no longer definitive proof for flowing liquids.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2024 |
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Title | How, when and where current mass flows in Martian gullies are driven by CO2 sublimation |
DOI | 10.1038/s43247-024-01298-7 |
Authors | Lonneke Roelofs, Susan J. Conway, Tjalling de Haas, Colin M. Dundas, Stephen R. Lewis, Jim McElwaine, Kelly Pasquon, Jan Raack, Matt Sylvest, Manish Patel |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Communications Earth and Environment |
Index ID | 70257659 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Astrogeology Science Center |