Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) are seasonally observed dark streaks on the Martian surface that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. Exploring their formation mechanisms can deepen our understanding of surface activity on Mars and provide scientific basis for future Mars exploration. This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and formation mechanisms of RSL by reviewing relevant literature and synthesizing various viewpoints and experimental results. RSL typically appear during warm seasons, disappear during cold seasons, and repeat over multiple Martian years. The formation mechanisms can be broadly categorized into three types: dry mode, wet mode, and mixed mode. However, a definitive explanation for the formation of RSL is still lacking, and both the dry and wet models have their respective limitations. It is likely that the formation of RSL is the result of the combined action of multiple mechanisms. The next step should be to search for terrestrial analogs of RSL and conduct research at high spatial and temporal resolutions to understand the forming processes of RSL.