Scientists Investigate Subglacial Melting on Mars, Suggesting Warmer Climate in Early Amazonian Period

Scientists from the Planetary Science Institute examined subglacial melting in the Arabia Terra region on Mars, focusing on a mid-sized crater and the Heart Lake System. Their research suggests that a receding regional glacier created the depression, and subglacial melting formed shallow channels, leading to a proglacial lake with glacial deposits. The study, presented at the 2025 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, utilized data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Analysis of topography and slopes indicated that some valleys and ridges may have glacial origins, suggesting Mars was warmer than previously thought during the early Amazonian Period. These findings challenge existing climate models and present opportunities for future robotic and crewed missions to further investigate these features.