An insight into araneiform terrain
Araneiform terrain comprises dark, crack-like arrangements that can expand for about or even more than 3,300 feet, which is almost 1,000 meters. These structures, when looked upon, from above look immensely similar to a cluster of black spiders, crawling all around the surface of Mars. These astonishing structures are newly discovered to be a consequence of uncommon geological functions, especially involving carbon dioxide ice.
The process of discovery
The discovery of these spider-like formations was originally carried out by the Mars orbiters, bringing about a number of different hypotheses on how they originate. Of all the given theories, a renowned one indicates that temperature fluctuations, as well as pressure, could influence carbon dioxide ice to sublimate, changing its form from solid to gas. Latest research and trials at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have successfully recreated this procedure in a special laboratory environment.
The experimental setup
The experiment was directed by Lauren McKeown, a planetary geomorphologist at JPL. Scientists utilized an exclusive chamber referred to as the Dirty Undervacuum Simulation Testbed for Icy Environments (DUSTIE). This special chamber enabled them to replicate the immensely cold environment of Mars, attaining temperatures at the lowest of minus 301 degrees Fahrenheit which is minus 185 degrees Celsius.
Image credit: nasa.gov
In these trials, the researchers introduced a mix of Martian soil imitator and carbon dioxide ice into the chamber. By heating the mixture from underneath, they imitated the heat influence of the Sun on Mars. And so, after many failed attempts, they successfully made the perfect conditions for the ice to crack and emit gas, creating the spider-like formations.
A significant breakthrough
McKeown shared that the breakthrough moment was exceptionally exciting for her, stating that “It was late on a Friday evening, and the lab manager burst in after hearing me shrieking. She thought there had been an accident.” This thrilling moment showcases how valuable their observations and findings are, as well as the work it took to conduct the research.
Notable insights from the Kieffer model
The procedure witnessed in the experiments aligns with the Kieffer model, which illustrates how carbon dioxide ice forms in Martian soil in the chilly season. When temperatures increase in the spring, the ice converts into gas without changing to liquid, creating pressure to develop and increase up until it explodes through the surface. This quick emission of gas causes the formation of spider-like cracks.
New findings and future research
Another new study uncovered an additional detail; ice developing enclosed by the soil also adds up to the cracking, which might elucidate the zig-zag shapes of the spider legs. A co-founder of the study named Serina Diniega noted, “It’s one of those details that show that nature is a little messier than the textbook image,”
Furthermore, NASA is preparing to explore more about why araneiform terrain emerges in some parts of Mars but not others. They are also keen on understanding how these structures grow gradually.
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