Mars Cracks: The Bizarre Polygons Explained

 Which are thought to be caused by tectonic plates moving within the Martian surface. The theory suggests that there are six layers of rock underneath the planet’s surface, causing the cracks to form in specific ways depending on their positioning and composition. Scientists have determined that these polygons have appeared all over Mars, from highland areas to volcanoes to impact craters. Still, the question remains as to what is causing them and whether this process occurs on other planets as well?

 

What Are They?

Scientists have spotted an odd series of shapes on Mars, some of which resemble human-made polygons—triangles, squares, and other distinct shapes that are placed together to form a large structure. While it’s impossible to know what these objects are without getting a closer look, researchers believe they may be meteorite impacts or rock fractures caused by Mars' global warming. NASA is planning to send a rover mission there in 2020 to study them more closely, so stay tuned!

 

Two theories on what caused them

1) Volcanic Activity 2) Alien life activity. Scientists in Europe have discovered polygonal cracks on Mars’ surface, which appear at night and disappear during daylight. These polygonal patterns—dubbed circles by scientists—are a few hundred feet wide and seem to be caused by the warmer season melting ice under Mars’ surface.

 

Theory #1 - A water flow phenomenon

Scientists agree that Mars is becoming colder and dryer, as it has been for many years. However, underground streams appear to be freezing and creating cracks in certain parts of Mars. This process has formed a series of polygonal patterns on Mars' surface. Of course, these patterns could change shape over time as more water freezes beneath them to create more cracks on their surface - similar to how icicles form when the snow starts to thaw under a roof.

 

Theory #2 - Shifting sand dunes

In 2008, scientists discovered huge shifting sand dunes on Mars. These dunes are sometimes referred to as barchan dunes after similar formations found in Iran. However, these Martian barchans (or 'polygons') can be up to 9 miles long and 4 miles wide - much larger than any sand dune in Earth's deserts. But unlike their Earth-bound cousins, Martian barchans don't have a fixed shape and never stop moving.

 

A third theory - A process called salt tectonics

Salt tectonics has been observed in Earth’s oceans and involves the separation of denser, colder saltwater from warmer fresh water. This could be responsible for some of Mars’ surface features, especially considering that below its surface are believed to be vast stores of frozen salt water. It’s possible that if they melted, they could form cracks on Mars's surface.

 

And a fourth theory

Geologist Dr. Nathan Bridges says these crisscrossing cracks in Mars' surface could be from a recent change in temperature and a shift in pressure underground. According to NASA, Cracks are common on Mars, especially in cold seasons. Bridges believe that as Mars' axis shifts and more carbon dioxide enters its atmosphere, its climate will become much colder, and we'll see an increase in cracks.