pzatchok: The problem has not been a lack of water, the problem is that, based on all we know of Mars’ climate, atmosphere, and history, no model can come up with a circumstance where liquid water can exist and flow on the surface. The atmosphere is too thin and cold. Water in this situation will always sublimate directly from a solid to gas.

The orbital data tells us strongly that there has always been a lot of ice on Mars, with there being much more in the past.

In a million years all there might be is massive amounts of never ending dust storms.

Without a strong magnetic field Mars atmosphere is literally being blown away by the solar winds. And with it goes the water.

Max: The simplest solution for creating the canyons and channels on Mars to me appears to be evident in the many images coming from orbit. We now know that ice glaciers are common on Mars, much more than seen on Earth, and that ice can flow somewhat like a river given the right conditions.

Glaciers on Mars will be similar, but not identical to Earth glaciers, because of the weaker gravity and alien climate. Nonetheless, it is a simple explanation that requires no complex models or theories or special conditions. The new theory that I highlight in the post has the advantage of accepting the presence of glacial ice, and using it to produce very temporary liquid water. That, combined with flowing glaciers, might be all we need to explain everything we see on Mars.

Once we put aside our Earth-based assumptions.

No, I do not have a better explanation.

Unless Mars was a moon of a larger planet that broke apart and became the astroid belt… And it’s original orbit upon gravitational release was very elongated bringing it closer to the sun making the conditions right for rapid ice melting?

A close call with the earth could’ve changed it’s elongated orbit to make it more circular… Even though it’s not very circular now.

Like the rings of a tree each layer could indicate the length of time each wet cycle lasted.