A new study suggests the dark streaks on Mars interpreted as water might be sand. In 2015, research indicated the lines on the Martian slopes were proof of water on the planet.
But Arizona Scientists countered the study in the Nature Geoscience Journal stating the lines seen are dry. They argue the steep flows are most likely sand rather than water trickling downhill.
The scientists further adds if there is water on Mars it is in a small quantity and not conducive to life. NASA does not agree or disagree with this new study.
Lead Scientist of the Mars Exploration Program, Michael Meyer said, “It just may not be as exciting as the idea of rivers going down the sides of cliffs.”
The researchers from Flagstaff, Arizona analyzed and measured 151 dark lines at 10 sites on Mars. Each of them ends at an angle of 28 to 35 degrees. This matches the active sand dunes on Earth instead of flowing water.
But Meyer believes this back and forth on Mars being dry or wet is what makes the study exciting. He said, “I still think that Mars poses a great potential for having had life early on in its history. As long as that’s true, we also have a reasonable possibility of life still being on Mars. It just happens to be cryptic or well hidden.”
At present, NASA has no rover on Mars or a rover capable to climb the steep slopes. The NASA engineers are working on ideas like Martian helicopters or drones.
Meyer explained the effort going into developing a machine to travel on Mars. “But going from a clever idea that works in your sandbox to something that goes to Mars takes a fair amount of engineering development,” he said.
