Detecting the vents on Mars

The image from a Mars-orbiting camera revealed the CO2 flows at 100 miles per hour through the planet's southernmost ice. These circuits throw sand and dust tens of meters high.

(Photo: bbsnews)

The camera, or thermal imaging system, was placed on the Mars Odyssey probe.

When spraying, circuits create dark spots, fan-like shapes or spiders on this ice cap.

Scientists say these vessels erupt when the sun warms the ice, turning the CO ₂ under the ground into gas at high pressure.

"If you were there, you would stand on a CO ₂ plate ," said Dr. Phil Christensen. "And around you, the CO2 flows up, blowing sand and dust away hundreds of meters in the air."

Dr. Christensen said this process "is not the same as anything that happens on the ground".

His team discovered the upper airflow when examining more than 200 infrared images and photos sent by the camera.

(Photo: msn)

T. An