Mysterious Martian 'Forests' Discovered

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of Martian "forests," which are actually formations created by sand particles that become stuck together and are covered by frozen carbon dioxide during Martian winters. The HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured these structures, which resemble forests but are actually streaks on sand dunes caused by the sublimation of carbon dioxide ice. As the ice evaporates in spring, dislodged sand cascades down the dunes, creating dark streaks that contribute to the forest-like appearance.

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Arch2008 said:
Apparently, during a Martian winter, sand particles can get stuck together and frozen carbon dioxide will cover them making a sort of “forest” from these structures.

http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/2010/0...ch-sind-das-wirklich-baeume-auf-dem-mars.html

That is such a strange and beautiful picture, from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. It was also part of the "Where in the Universe" series at the "Universe Today" blog, which many members here might enjoy. See Where In The Universe #86.

where-in-the-universe-86-580x435.jpg


The description of that "forest" is a little different. The forest like effect is not the frozen carbon dioxide itself, but streaks in the sand dunes left when sand is dislodged as carbon dioxide accumulates and sublimates again. From WITU#86:
This image shows a region of sand dunes in the high northern latitudes on Mars. The features that look like bristles, and actually streaks on the crests of the dunes. In the winter, a layer of carbon dioxide ice covers the dunes, and in the spring as the sun warms the ice it evaporates. This is a very active process, and sand dislodged from the crests of the dunes cascades down, forming dark streaks.[/color]​

By the way, #87 has just been posted. If you like, pop on over to Where in the Universe #87 and make a guess in the comments. Don't give links or details, just a brief guess, and then the answer will be up soon; probably about 12 more hours.

Cheers -- sylas
 


Thanks!