Periodic Layered Deposits on Mars Reflecting Early Climate System Changes Driven by Orbital Forcing

Orbital forcing can induce nonlinear or chaotic climate responses, with interactions between periodic forcing and internal variability potentially leading to abrupt transitions between climate states in Earth’s climate system. A similar scenario has been observed in studies of early Martian climate. Recent geologic evidence suggests that Mars may have been cold and dry in its early history, with intermittent warm events and surface melting. Climate models support the idea that these warm conditions and intermittent melting water were likely triggered by the interaction of atmosphere processes and orbital forcing. Some periodic layered deposits on Mars are believed to result from climate changes driven by orbital forcing. However, while previous research has shown the regulatory effect of orbital forcing on the sedimentary rhythm of Mars, many studies rely on prescribed sedimentary cycle ratios, without rigorously testing the null hypothesis of no astronomical signals. This study analyzes periodic layered deposits in Becquerel Crater using spectral analysis and rigorous noise testing techniques, along with high-resolution orbital imagery and digital terrain model date. Statistical tuning methods confirm the existence of astronomical signals in the sedimentary rhythms and the role of obliquity cycles in deposit formation. Additionally, recurrence quantification analysis evaluates the determinism and complexity of the sedimentary system, linking these characteristics to obliquity variations. Based on these findings, we propose an orbitally forced mixed-depositional system hypothesis for the formation of periodic layered deposits, consistent with current geologic evidence for intermittent warming and melting water events. This work advances understanding of early Martian climate evolution mechanisms and sedimentary processes, contributing to planetary climatology and sedimentology.