Global Comparative Basin Hypsometric Analysis of Earth and Mars:
Implications for Early Mars Climate
Abstract
While there is a consensus that water played at least some role in the
formation of various Martian landforms, including valley networks (VNs),
the specific mechanisms and climate conditions are still debated. Basin
hypsometric curves, reflecting elevation distributions, offer insights
into past processes and climates. Our study presents a global-scale
comparison of basin hypsometry on Mars, Earth, the Moon, and artificial
fractal surfaces. Results indicate Martian VN formation likely occurred
under a climate more arid than hyper-arid Earth, or under more humid
periods that were short-lived. Differences in hypsometric attributes
between Mars and the Moon suggest VN formation on Mars involved
precipitation-driven water flow. Additionally, impact cratering
significantly influenced Martian surface conditions, potentially
disrupting fluvial erosion processes. This comparative analysis sheds
light on the complex interplay of climatic factors and geological
processes in Martian landscape evolution.