Scientists have recently uncovered the mystery behind Mars’ south pole’s unique Swiss cheese-like appearance. A new study has revealed that this phenomenon is due to a combination of climate and water cycle processes on the red planet over time.
The research team used data from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) to map out how these polar deposits were formed, finding that they are composed mainly of carbon dioxide ice which accumulates in winter and then sublimates away during summer months, leaving behind deep pits. This process is known as ‘swiss cheesing’ because it creates a pattern similar to the popular dairy product.
The researchers also discovered evidence of an ancient lake at one of these sites, suggesting that liquid water may have been present on Mars in its distant past when temperatures were warmer than today – something which could be key for understanding if life ever existed there or not! The findings provide important insights into our knowledge about Martian climate history and could help us better understand other planets too.
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