Martian Weathering

Martian weathering refers to the process by which the planet's surface rocks and minerals are gradually broken down and altered by environmental factors. Unlike Earth, Mars lacks abundant liquid water, so weathering mainly occurs through exposure to the thin atmosphere, cosmic dust, wind-blown particles, and radiation from space. These elements cause chemical changes and physical breakdown of surface materials over time. The result is the formation of dust, soil, and altered rocks that record Mars' geological history, providing clues about past conditions and the planet's evolution.