Leaking out, or collecting near ? On Earth, that would be vegetation growing near water.

• by simonron

  These river like paths look outlined by the dark stuff. On Earth, that would be vegetation growing near water. What is it here ?

  Posted January 10, 2013 10:58 PM

• by Portyankina scientist

  The problem with vegetation here is that it's damn cold! -123C is not for any plant to cope with. These is dark dust material that is starting to defrost.
  Anya

  Posted January 11, 2013 2:58 AM

• by mschwamb scientist, translator

  They do kinda look like river channels but they are carved but something other than water. They are carved into the surface of Mars by carbon dioxide gas trapped under the thawing carbon dioxide ice sheet on the south pole of Mars.

  You can learn more about what these features are here and here.
  Cheers,
  ~Meg

  Posted January 11, 2013 3:39 AM