Parana Valles
03.12.2025
Parana Valles
Context
In a significant advancement for planetary science, researchers have successfully mapped extensive river drainage systems on Mars. This study identified 16 major ancient basins, with Paraná Valles emerging as a focal point of the discovery.
About Paraná Valles
Definition: Paraná Valles is a massive ancient fluvial drainage system on Mars. It consists of a complex network of valleys, streams, and sedimentary channels that were carved by flowing liquid water billions of years ago.
Location:
- Region: It is situated in the Martian southern hemisphere within Margaritifer Terra, a region geologically distinct for its abundance of valley networks and water-related landforms.
- Scale: The drainage area covers a vast watershed, comparable in size to major river basins found on Earth.
Formation History
- Hydrological Origin: The system was formed during an ancient epoch when Mars possessed a warmer and wetter climate.
- Process: It was created by rainfall-fed surface runoff, erosion, and sediment transport.
- Flow Path: Water likely traversed through a series of interconnected valleys and lakes, eventually draining into larger canyon systems or potentially an ancient northern ocean.
Key Features
- Dendritic Patterns: The valley network exhibits a branching, tree-like structure (dendritic drainage), which is morphologically similar to river systems on Earth.
- Basin Size: The drainage basin exceeds 100,000 square kilometers, meeting the threshold used to classify "large river systems" on Earth.
- Geological Evidence: The site contains distinct streams, canyons, and sedimentary deposits that confirm a history of prolonged water-rock interaction and nutrient transport.