New Martian paradigms

Abstract

Several interrelated paradigms concerning the nature and the evolution of Mars are discussed. These include an impact origin of the northern lowland, Mars as a water-rich planet, former oceans in the northern lowlands, a warm wet climate on early Mars, and the possibility of ancient life on Mars. Locations on Mars suggested for the search of possible ancient life include the heavily cratered terrain dissected by valley networks, possible lacustrine deposits in Valles Marineris, the oxidizing layer below the surface, sites along the fringes of the hypothetical northern circumpolar ocean, and in evaporite deposits.