Cold springs in permafrost on Earth and Mars

Abstract

Perennial springs located on west central Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian High Arctic occur in a region with a mean annual air temperature of - 15°C and flow through continuous permafrost 600 m thick. The spring water is a low-temperature (up to 6°C) brine that maintains constant discharge temperatures and flow rates throughout the year. Here we report on observations of temperature and discharge rate of these springs and develop a combined flow and thermal model of the subsurface flow using the measured geothermal gradient. We also consider the implications these springs have for the search for similar environments, past or present, on Mars.