Why I Am Not A Scientist
If confirmed, the discovery could have important implications for the history of water and climate on Mars, because it suggests there were large reservoirs of subsurface ice when the lobate debris aprons formed. Scientists think these features formed in mid- to late Amazonian times – the Amazonian being the cold, dry period of Martian history which began around 1.8 billion years ago and lasts to the present day.
Just like the cold, dry Amazon! What an apt moniker. Probably there is some real explanation for this that will make me seem totally uneducated. But until then, ?!?!
James,
Are Googling skills the sole purview of scientists as well? I have been described as a ‘laser jock’, so the monkier ‘scientist’ definitely fits, but a quick check on ‘ Mars Amazonian Period ‘ gets to you an article on Martian Geochronology , wherein you learn that the period is named after a particular (presumably already-named) volcanic plain which is indicative of the low order of cratering expected for areas from this age.
But, as my once-advisor used to tell me: you’re not stupid, just ignorant!
— David Samuels · Mar 13, 09:33 PM · #
Uh, David, that doesn’t really answer the question. Why is the period named after that volcanic plain, and why is that plain named that?
— Freddie · Mar 13, 09:51 PM · #
Duh. It’s where the Amazon warrior women once patrolled the canals in pink chariots.
— Matt Frost · Mar 13, 11:18 PM · #