Why Is The Altiplano Plateau Similar To Mars?

Like Mars, the Altiplano plateau has a cold and arid high-altitude plain dotted with waterways that meander down from the mountain ranges. Even the surface of the Altiplano looks very similar. It consists of a succession of intermontane basins situated at an elevation of about 12,000 feet (3,650 meters).

The Altiplano, which stretches across many nations, is home to this salt flat in Chile. In this dry, high-altitude plateau, streams and rivers from mountain ranges pour into closed basins reminiscent of Mars’ Gale Crater. Similar to it, lakes in the Altiplano area are significantly impacted by the climate as well.