Research

Exploring Mars’ Ancient Climate: Insights from Devon Island Fieldwork

November 11, 2024
BY PENNY MOLLOY

Mars, as we know it today, is a cold and dry world. Water is locked away as ice at the poles or
hidden in the planet’s subsurface. Yet, etched into the southern highlands of Mars are valley
networks that tell a different story—a time when liquid water may have flowed across its surface.
How could liquid water have persisted on early Mars, given its harsh, frigid climate? 

Simona_Ruso

     Simona Ruso

Simona Ruso, M.Sc., Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, and her research team are tackling this mystery by exploring an intriguing hypothesis: some Martian valley networks may have been carved by meltwater flowing beneath ice sheets, in a process similar to how subglacial meltwater channels form on Earth.

Subglacial meltwater channels are pathways carved by pressurized water flowing beneath glaciers. These channels are common in glaciated regions on Earth, such as Greenland or Antarctica, and are formed as the immense weight of ice causes meltwater to move and erode the underlying rock. This process creates unique landforms that resemble the valleys observed on Mars, making them valuable analogues for understanding Martian landscapes.

To investigate these Martian valleys, Ruso’s team conducted fieldwork on Devon Island in Nunavut, Canada. This remote Arctic island, situated above the Arctic Circle, offers an ideal terrestrial analogue for Mars. Its barren, rugged terrain and glacial features mirror the
landscapes hypothesized on the Red Planet.

Fieldwork expeditions in the summers of 2022 and 2024 brought the researchers to this harsh yet stunning environment. Despite the challenges of Arctic living—freezing winds, isolation, and logistical hurdles—Devon Island provides invaluable insights. The team explored glacier-fed
rivers, marveled at the vibrant purple saxifrage, and immersed themselves in their study of
subglacial meltwater channels.

“Fieldwork allows you to fully grasp the intricacies of your study area,” says Ruso. “It’s an
irreplaceable component of Earth Sciences, offering experiences that go beyond the textbook.
Plus, it sharpens leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.”

Through this hands-on research, Western’s scientists are not only advancing our understanding
of early Martian climate but also inspiring the next generation of Earth and planetary scientists.
Western University’s Earth Sciences department offers students the chance to gain firsthand
experience through fieldwork-based courses. From studying ancient rocks to exploring Arctic
landscapes, students learn by doing—an approach that fosters deeper understanding and
builds skills essential for research and beyond.

For Ruso, fieldwork isn’t just about gathering data; it’s about personal and professional growth.
“The best way to learn is to do,” she says. “And fieldwork is the best way to do!"