Question

although its clear that mars once had liquid water on its surface, astronomers have debated whether the evidence of ancient water reflects a prolonged phase of warm, wet conditions - the so - called wet and warm scenario - or a brief period of melting in an otherwise constantly frozen environment. researchers benjamin t. cardenas and michael p. lamb recently added to this debate by using data from nasa and the mars orbiter laser altimeter to map the topography of what is now a large basin in marss northern hemisphere. cardenas and lamb concluded that the wet and warm scenario is likely correct. which finding about the basin, if true, would most directly support cardenas and lambs conclusion? choose 1 answer a its physical characteristics are most consistent with it having formed as a result of a massive but short - lived influx of liquid water. b it is surrounded by channels that could have been formed either by running water or by flowing lava. c it has features suggesting that it once held an ocean that underwent gradual sea level changes over an extended time. d its dimensions and shape indicate that it is unlikely to have formed as the result of an asteroid or comet impact.

Explanation:

Cardenas and Lamb concluded that the wet and warm scenario is likely correct. Option A indicates that the basin's physical characteristics are consistent with a massive but short - lived influx of liquid water, which supports the wet and warm scenario. Option B's mention of channels formed by either water or lava is not as direct in supporting the wet and warm scenario. Option C's gradual sea - level changes over an extended time do not strongly support the wet and warm scenario as directly as Option A. Option D's information about the basin not being formed by an asteroid or comet impact is not relevant to the wet and warm scenario.

Answer:

A. Its physical characteristics are most consistent with it having formed as a result of a massive but short - lived influx of liquid water.