Structures found in Mars' northern hemisphere will aid in understanding local water sources and the potential for life.

These structures could shed light on the evidence of past life on Mars.

The fact is that the amount of carbon dioxide on the Red Planet varies depending on its tilt relative to the Sun. When Mars is tilted sufficiently, carbon dioxide ice transforms into gas on a large scale — this is enough to create a denser atmosphere for the planet, which could support liquid water for an extended period.

By understanding the process of frost formation from carbon dioxide under current Martian conditions, scientists will be able to gain a more accurate understanding of the climate history of the Red Planet. If there were periods in Mars' history when the climate allowed for liquid water to exist in a stable state, there is a strong possibility that microbial life could have existed on the planet — and it might even be possible to discover it.