Distribution of Mid-Latitude Ground Ice on Mars from New Impact Craters

Abstract

Martian Impact Impact craters form frequently on Mars, exposing material that would otherwise remain hidden below the surface. Byrne et al. (p. 1674 ) identified mid-latitude craters that formed over the last few years, imaged them in great detail with a camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and monitored subsequent changes. The craters excavated buried water ice, which was later seen sublimating away. In addition, some craters might have excavated completely through the ice. The observations are consistent with models and other observations that suggest water ice should be stable decimeters to about 1 meter below the martian surface at latitudes poleward of about 40°; and suggest that, in the recent past, Mars had a wetter atmosphere than at present.