Unraveling river pathways on Earth and Mars
by Brad Bartz
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 06, 2023
In a groundbreaking analysis, scientists from Tulane University have delved deep into the winding paths of rivers on both Earth and Mars. This study, recently published in Nature Geosciences, aims to understand how climate change influences the shifting paths of these meandering rivers.
Dr. Chenliang Wu, a postdoctoral researcher with Tulane University’s School of Science and Engineering, initiated the study with a focus on the Mississippi River. His interest then expanded to incorporate various rivers on Earth and even the fossilized riverbeds on Mars.
The focus of this research was river sinuosity, which describes the degree to which rivers bend and curve. Several factors can influence a river’s sinuosity, including its age, sediment and water supply, as well as the vegetation along its banks. Notably, all these factors are susceptible to changes induced by climate change. The researchers discovered a direct relationship between river sinuosity and the volume of water flowing through it, which is, in turn, affected by variables like precipitation rates.
To understand these phenomena, the team turned to historical data, examining Earth’s rivers through maps dating back to the fifth century and aerial images from 1939 onward. The data set included 21 lowland meandering rivers. On Mars, the scientists studied remote sensing data of ancient river channels.
The untouched nature of Mars’ riverbeds provided the researchers a pristine environment, devoid of human intervention, to validate their theories on river migration patterns and sinuosity at the point of evaporation. This research isn’t just about understanding river patterns, it’s also a pivotal step toward deciphering Mars’s hydroclimate during periods when water flowed on its surface. Dr. Wu highlighted its implications, stating, “It really lays the foundation for more advanced topics, like, were the environmental conditions suitable for life on Mars?”
Upon concluding their study, the rivers were categorized into two main types based on their sinuosity patterns: variable-sinuosity and constant-sinuosity. Rivers with variable sinuosity never stabilize; their curvatures keep evolving. Meanwhile, those with constant sinuosity attain a stable state, maintaining an average, consistent curvature. Out of the 21 Earth-based rivers analyzed, 13, which included the iconic Mississippi River, displayed variable sinuosity, while the remaining eight showcased constant sinuosity.
This research isn’t merely academic. The findings present invaluable insights for both researchers and engineers on managing rivers, especially in the context of a changing climate. The knowledge gained can guide river restoration projects, shape future infrastructure developments, and inform flood management strategies.
In a world increasingly threatened by the severe weather events brought on by climate change, such research is imperative. A 2019 publication in the International Journal of Water Resources Development highlighted that half of the global population resides in river basins. These individuals are vulnerable to the potential threats posed by extreme weather events leading to floods.
With studies like Dr. Wu’s, the hope is to be better prepared, armed with knowledge, to protect these communities and the ecosystems they call home.
Research Report:Lowland river sinuosity on Earth and Mars set by the pace of meandering and avulsion
Related Links
Tulane University
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
Lunar Dreams and more