NASA has discovered evidence of a liquid water reservoir beneath the Martian surface, a finding that could have profound implications for future exploration and potential human habitation on the Red Planet.
Story Summary:
- A large reservoir of liquid water has been detected in Mars’ mid-crust.
- The water is located at depths between 11.5 and 20 kilometres beneath the surface.
- This discovery could play a crucial role in the search for life and future human missions to Mars.
Liquid reservoir found on Mars: Here’s what it means for the future of civilization
NASA’s recent study has revealed the presence of liquid water trapped within the mid-crust of Mars, specifically between depths of approximately 11.5 to 20 kilometres.
The research, which analysed seismic data from the InSight lander, suggests that the Martian mid-crust contains fractured igneous rocks saturated with liquid water.
This discovery challenges previous assumptions that water on Mars was mostly lost to space or frozen in the planet’s surface layers.
The presence of liquid water in the Martian crust is significant, as it opens up new possibilities for understanding the planet’s geological history and its potential to support life.
According to the study, the seismic data combined with rock physics models indicate that the detected water could be extensive, possibly amounting to volumes greater than those proposed for ancient Martian oceans.
Implications for the future of civilization
The discovery of liquid water on Mars is a groundbreaking development for future space exploration.
If the water is accessible, it could provide a vital resource for human missions to Mars, reducing the need to transport water from Earth.
The findings also enhance the possibility of discovering microbial life, past or present, in the Martian subsurface, given that water is a key ingredient for life as we know it.
The study’s findings suggest that the Martian mid-crust, which remains warm enough to keep water in a liquid state, could play a crucial role in Mars’ water cycle.
The data indicates that the porosity of the crust allows for the storage of liquid water, potentially making it an essential factor in sustaining future Martian settlements.
As research continues, scientists will aim to better understand the distribution and accessibility of this water.
The ongoing analysis of Mars’ subsurface could guide future missions, with the goal of exploring these reservoirs and determining how they can be utilized to support human life on Mars.