2025/12/29 by E. L. Moreland, Sylvia Dee, Yueyang Jiang +6 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Biocrusts and Microbial Ecology #Planetary Science and Exploration
paper · doi:10.1029/2025av001891
openalex publication_date 2025/12/29 · openalex created_date 2025/12/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Abstract Geomorphic and stratigraphic studies of Mars prove that extensive liquid water flowed and pooled on the surface early in Mars' history. Martian paleoclimate models, however, have difficulty simulating climate conditions warm enough to maintain liquid water on early Mars. Reconciling the geologic record and paleoclimatic simulations of Mars is critical to understanding Mars' early history, atmospheric conditions, and paleoclimate. This study uses an adapted lake energy balance model to investigate the connections between Martian geology and climate. The Lake Modeling on Mars for Atmospheric Reconstructions and Simulations (LakeM 2 ARS) model is modified from an Earth‐based lake model to function in Martian conditions. We use LakeM 2 ARS to investigate the conditions necessary to simulate a lake in Gale crater. Working at a localized scale, we combine climate input from the Mars Weather Research & Forecasting general circulation model with geologic constraints from Curiosity rover observations to identify potential climatic conditions required to maintain a seasonally ice‐free lake. Our results show that an initially small lake system (10 m deep) with ∼50 mm monthly water input and seasonal ice cover would retain seasonal liquid water for over 100 years, demonstrating conditions close to long‐term lake survivability. These results are an important step in resolving the historic disconnect between climate and geology on Mars. Continued use and iteration of LakeM 2 ARS will strengthen connections between Mars' paleoclimate and geology to inform climate models and enhance our understanding of conditions on early Mars.