The weight and grinding movement of glaciers have carved characteristic valleys and fjords into the Earth's surface. Because the
Movement is part of determining the shape of glaciers.On Earth, meltwater accumulates beneath them and ice sheets, “lubricating” their descent. Now scientists have modeled how Mars' low gravity affected the feedback between how quickly the ice sheet slid and how water flowed underneath the ice.
Apparently, the ice sheets on Mars moved and destroyed the ground beneath them extremely slowly. Even when water accumulated under the ice, write the authors of the new study.
View of ancient Mars with frozen ice sheets and glaciers.
Photo: NASA/USGS/ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum)
Although there are no obvious U-shaped valleys on Mars,that distinguish the Earth's glacial landscapes, researchers have discovered other geological traces. They indicate that in the past there were ice masses similar to glaciers on the surface of Mars. These include gravel ridges known as eskers.
Recall that this is a glacial landform, linearlyelongated, narrow earthen ramparts up to several tens of meters high, from 100–200 m wide, up to tens of kilometers long. Composed of deposits of subglacial waters.
Scientists say their research mattersto study possible ancient life forms on Mars. The ice sheet provides a constant supply of water, protection and stability for any subglacial bodies of water such as lakes. They also “work” as a shelter from solar radiation in the absence of a magnetic field and insulation from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Read more:
The ancient Vikings suffered from a dangerous disease. It is caused by a parasite from Africa
Plant on Mars produces oxygen at the rate of an average tree
Physicists have cooled atoms to record temperatures. They are a billion times colder than outer space.