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Current research suggests that Mars is in a warm interglacial period which has lasted more than 100,000 years. [134] Because the Mars Global Surveyor was able to observe Mars for 4 Martian years, it was found that Martian weather was similar from year to year. Any differences were directly related to changes in the solar energy that reached Mars.
The following is a list of regions on Mars given the name Terra (pl. Terrae). Most cover large, rugged areas, often including outflow channels , cratering, and " chaos terrain ". They may be contrasted with the Planitia (e.g., Amazonis Planitia ) and Mare (e.g., Mare Erythraeum ), smoother regions of differing albedo .
It is believed that the layers relate to the cycle of changing tilt of Mars. The tilt of the Earth's axis changes by only a little more than 2 degrees. In contrast, Mars's tilt varies by tens of degrees. Today, the tilt (or obliquity) of Mars is low, so the poles are the coldest places on the planet, while the equator is the warmest.
Seasonal flows on warm Martian slopes (also called recurring slope lineae, recurrent slope lineae and RSL) [3] [4] [5] are thought to be salty water flows occurring during the warmest months on Mars. Indeed, there is much photographic and spectroscopic evidence that water does today flow on parts of Mars. [6] [7] [8]
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In contrast Mars's tilt varies by tens of degrees. When the tilt is low (current situation on Mars), the poles are the coldest places on the planet, while the equator is the warmest (as on Earth). This could cause gases in the atmosphere, like water and carbon dioxide, to migrate poleward, where they would freeze.
The idea of transforming Mars into a world more hospitable to human habitation is a regular feature of science fiction. Scientists are now proposing a new approach to warm up Earth's planetary ...
The atmosphere of Mars is the layer of gases surrounding Mars. It is primarily composed of carbon dioxide (95%), molecular nitrogen (2.85%), and argon (2%). [ 3 ] It also contains trace levels of water vapor , oxygen , carbon monoxide , hydrogen , and noble gases .