The Surface Facts of Mars
People have often wondered what like would be like on Mars. They even debate whether it is possible to survive on the planet. Scientists suggest that life likely exists on Mars as it is similar to Earth. They claim that while there are differences Mars resembles Earth more that the other planets. Humans would not survive as Mars’ surface would likely be for us to cope and function successfully. The planet’s surface temperature ranges from -126.8 degrees Fahrenheit to 136 degrees Fahrenheit. Astronauts suggest there is no visible sign of water; however, it likely existed as the surface consists of three regions. These include; bright and dark areas, as well as polar capes.
Scientists suggest that about two-thirds of the surface is brightly coloured. They are similar to Earth as they are a reddish colour. A third of the surface consists of dark colours which change depending on the season. The other third likely has polar caps which are similar to Earth’s.
Mars also has rocky, desolate areas which are similar to Earth’s. Valles Marineris is the largest known canyon in our solar system. It is four times deeper than the Grand Canyon as it stretches across the United States. Experts tell us that it is so long that one end experiences day light while the other is in darkness. The area resembles the Red Sea, Gulf of California and the Great Rift Valley of Africa. It is likely that they Valles Marineris evolved as the crust broke apart. Experts suggest that Mars was a massive ocean in ancient times.
In 1877 criss-crossed lines were noticed in Mars’ dark region. Schiaparelli described them as channels; however, changed to canal when translated from Italian to English. This led to the mistaken belief that Mars had canals running through its Maria. Experts suggest that the channels likely provided water for life to inhabit the planet. This does not guarantee that life existed on Mars; however, fresh water usually suggests that an area can and does support life. These channels are not the result of Martian ingenuity. They likely result from geothermal heating or groundwater sapping. Geothermal heating occurs when water rises up and erodes the soil into channels. Groundwater sapping often occurs in arid areas as permafrost is exposed to light and heat they melt forming channels in the area.
Experts often debate whether people could survive on Mars. Mars is similar to Earth in many ways; however, it is also very different in others. It resembles Earth more than the other planets in our solar system. The planet has three regions which consist of bright and dark colored regions, as well as polar caped ones. Mars has rocky, arid areas which are similar to Earth’s Valles Marineris is a Canyon which is far wider and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. It is so wide that part of it experiences daylight while the other part is in darkness. In conclusion experts suggest that the channels provide water to support and allow life to inhabit the planet.