spacetoday.net: Mars streaks not evidence of water

Mars streaks not evidence of water

Posted: Sun, Nov 26, 2017, 10:09 AM ET (1509 GMT)
A new study finds that dark streaks on Mars are most likely caused by sand, not water. The dark streaks known as recurring slope lineae, seen in craters on Mars, had been interpreted by some scientists as evidence of water making its way to the surface and flowing. Others disagreed, and the new study said the slopes are consistent with flows of dry sand. The streaks are only seen on slopes at a high enough angle for sand to flow. Traces of water may be present in the streaks, but it would likely come from the atmosphere and not underground aquifers.