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Ancient oceans, ice sheets and the hydrological cycle on Mars

Nature volume 352, pages589–594(1991)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 07 November 1991

Abstract

A variety of anomalous geomorphological features on Mars can be explained by a conceptual scheme involving episodic ocean and ice-sheet formation. The formation of valley networks early in Mars' history is evidence for a long-term hydrological cycle, which may have been associated with the existence of a persistent ocean. Cataclysmic flooding, triggered by extensive Tharsis volcanism, subsequently led to repeated ocean formation and then dissipation on the northern plains, and associated glaciation in the southern highlands until relatively late in martian history.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA

    V. R. Baker, R. G. Strom, V. C. Gulick, J. S. Kargel & G. Komatsu

  2. Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA

    V. C. Gulick

  3. Department of Geography, University of Poona, Pune, 411 007, India

    V. S. Kale

Authors
  1. V. R. Baker
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  2. R. G. Strom
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  3. V. C. Gulick
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  4. J. S. Kargel
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  5. G. Komatsu
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  6. V. S. Kale
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Baker, V., Strom, R., Gulick, V. et al. Ancient oceans, ice sheets and the hydrological cycle on Mars. Nature 352, 589–594 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1038/352589a0

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