New Study Uses AI to Reveal Dry Origins of Mars’ Mysterious Slope Streaks

A new study by researchers at Brown University and the University of Bern used machine learning to analyze 86,000 high-resolution images of Mars. Their findings suggest that recurring slope lineae (RSLs)—dark streaks once thought to indicate liquid water—are actually caused by dry processes like wind and dust movement. With over 500,000 features mapped, this is the most extensive slope streak analysis to date. The results challenge past assumptions about Martian habitability and reduce concerns about contamination in future missions, helping narrow exploration targets using AI-driven insights.