The Role of Ice and Latitude‐Dependent Mantling on Boulder Distributions Across the Martian Northern Lowlands

Boulders are ubiquitous on rocky planets and provide valuable information about planetary processes. The abundance, size, and distribution of boulders offer insights into the primary processes that form them and the secondary processes that modify their position and size. However, the roles of varying environmental processes, including cryospheric processes, are poorly known. In this study, we analyze over 20 million boulders in the northern lowlands of Mars (50–70°N) to evaluate their distribution and identify environmental factors that might influence their clustering. We used spatial statistics to quantify the degree of boulder clustering across the northern plains. We found two latitudinal trends: overall decreasing clustering with increasing latitude (50–70°N) and a sub‐trend of increased clustering at higher latitudes (65–70°N). Our findings suggest that boulder distribution patterns are linked to the latitude‐dependent mantle (LDM) and subsurface ice. Boulders exhibit higher spatial clustering at higher latitudes, where the ice is thick and continuously present, and the LDM is more pristine. Lower clustering occurs at lower latitudes or regions where the ice loss is likely during interglacial periods, and the LDM degrades, exposing more boulders of varying sizes. We also discovered an anomalous region where boulder clustering is nearly random, located on the edge of the Alba Mons Patera. This area displays distinct geophysical characteristics compared to the rest of the lowlands. Although these characteristics do not indicate a specific process for the variation of boulder distribution in this study, the data suggest a coupling between cryospheric processes and boulder evolution, warranting further research. Plain Language Summary Boulders are common on rocky planets and can provide important information about boulder‐forming processes and displacement. We studied over 20 million boulders on the northern plains of Mars to learn more about how they are distributed across the planet and what factors might influence their placement. We found that boulders are more likely clustered in areas with more ice below the surface. We also discovered an area north of Alba Mons where boulders seem to be scattered randomly, and the surface properties are different than elsewhere in the northern plains. This may be due to the repeated deposition and removal of ice in this area, but more research is needed to fully understand these patterns. Key Points The level of