Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) describes a phenomenon observed on Mars. RSL are dark, narrow marks that appear on the sides of steeper slopes on the Martian surface. The marks grow longer during the warmer seasons. The elongation of the RSL is more pronounced on slopes that face the equator, as well as slopes that are facing the sun [1]. The current hypothesis as to the origin of the RSL is the transient flow of briny water. Evidence of this was described by McEwan et al (2013). RSL observed on the surface of Mars are more numerous in the warmer southern hemisphere of the planet. RSL only occur in regions with low reflection coefficients. These are regions that absorb heat better. Furthermore, RSL activity was found to favor slopes that had warm daytime temperatures of around 250K-300K [1]. This suggests that there is a correlation between RSL activity and temperature. RSL were found to be more active in late spring and summer, indicating that there is also a seasonal correlation [1]. The connection between RSL and temperature suggests that a volatile is responsible for the occurrence of the RSL formations. Similar lineae are seen in the Polar Regions of mars where carbon dioxide defrosts over polar dunes and forms gullies. However, the temperatures at which the RSL are observed rule this out as a possibility because they are too warm for …show more content…
Special regions are defined as a region within which terrestrial organisms are likely to propagate, or a region which is interpreted to have a high potential for the existence of extant Martian life form [2]. Because life on Earth requires water, special regions are where liquid water is likely to occur. An example of such a region is the area under the polar ice caps, where the pressure from ice above may result in liquid water. RSL should be considered special regions because the formations are best explained by water flow with the current