The dynamic nature and spectral characteristics of low-albedo slope streaks on Mars and their possible hydrologic implications

Abstract:

Low-albedo down-slope streaks that form repeatedly within weekly time-scales and subsequently fade over seasonal to decadal periods are commonly observed in the tropical and mid-latitudes of Mars. ‘Dry’ mass-wasting processes vs. ‘wet’ modification of the surface by aqueous phases are the mechanisms typically considered to explain their formation. Recently, high frequency HiRISE image time-series of seasonal recurrence, incremental growth and fading of small (meter-decameter scale) slope streaks, also termed ‘recurring slope lineae’ (RSL), have been presented in support of a ‘wet’ origin likely associated with brine seepage. Here, we present new results that demonstrate comparable recurrence, incremental growth and fading characteristics over yearly time-scales for decameter-kilometer scale low-albedo slope-streaks in Lycus Sulci, Amazonis Planitia and Arabia Terra. These dynamic characteristics support the previous association of low-albedo slope streaks with brine seepage based on their geomorphic and spectral relations with surrounding unaffected slopes.

Low-albedo slope streaks are typically not associated with detectable erosion or terminal, down-slope depositional activity at the resolution of 25 cm/pixel HiRISE images. CRISM observations consistently indicate that darkened slope-streak surfaces are spectrally enriched in FeO_x and are void of detectable water/ice spectral absorption bands. Thus, the liquid seeps considered for the formation of meter to kilometer scale slope streaks are likely low-volume transient events that evaporate and/or freeze and sublime leaving behind a meta-stable dry precipitate that ‘stains’ the surface dark and may provide insights into the possible composition of such brines.

Slope streak formation through a ‘wet’ brine seepage mechanism supports the possible presence of pressurized sub-surface aquifers that may be released via faults or cracks able to produce recurring transient discharge events during favorably warm daily/seasonal surface conditions. First-order calculations for the liquid volumes that would be associated with such transient brine extrusions suggest the presence of regional-scale extensive aquifers and/or effective recharge mechanism for local-scale aquifers perhaps during high obliquity periods.