Gullies in Svalbard are strikingly similar to the ones we've seen on Mars. This, along with the cold polar climate, could mean that Svalbard represents an analogue for Mars.
In this study researchers analysed satellite remote sensing data of analogue gully locales on Svalbard by using similar methodologies to those used in previous studies of Martian gullies. The results were compared with measurements made in situ on Svalbard in order to validate the conclusions drawn from the satellite data. In addition, an extensive set of measurements, which cannot be conducted from orbit, was made on site at Svalbard.
Principal investigator
Ella Carlsson
Solar System Physics and Space Technology, IRF Kiruna