Scientists make first-of-its-kind discovery on Mars – miles below planet’s surface

Scientists recently announced groundbreaking discovery: evidence of liquid water on Mars, buried deep in cracks several miles beneath planet’s surface. This finding, described as “best evidence yet” of liquid water on Mars comes from research led by University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

While it’s long been known that Mars has frozen water at its poles, this is first time scientists have confirmed presence of liquid water underground. According to Vashan Wright, study’s lead author, “we did not know there was liquid water there” before this discovery.

Presence of liquid water on Mars opens up exciting possibilities for future research, particularly in studying planet’s potential habitability and the search for life beyond Earth. These findings were published in journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and mark significant step forward in our understanding of Red Planet.

Where is the Water on Mars?

Recent study results have uncovered new information about where liquid water might exist on Mars. Findings suggest that Martian “midcrust,” which lies about 6 to 12 miles beneath planet’s surface is made up of igneous rock. This rock contains thin fractures and it’s within these fractures that scientists have discovered liquid water.

This discovery is particularly important because it sheds light on Martian water cycle which is key to understanding planet’s climate, surface and interior. As Vashan Wright assistant professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, explains, “Understanding the Martian water cycle is critical for understanding the evolution of climate, surface and interior. A useful starting point is to identify where water is and how much is there.”

By identifying where liquid water exists on Mars and how much is present, scientists can better understand planet’s history and its potential to support life. This research marks significant step forward in our exploration of Mars and opens up new possibilities for future studies focused on Red Planet’s habitability.

How Much Water Does Mars Have?

Scientists have discovered that Mars may hold vast amount of water beneath its surface enough to fill “oceans” on planet. According to recent research if area they studied is representative of entire planet, Martian midcrust, located 6 to 12 miles below surface, could contain significant volume of liquid water. This amount might even surpass volume of ancient oceans that are believed to have existed on Mars around 3 billion years ago when planet had lakes, rivers and vast bodies of water.

Researchers estimate that groundwater currently trapped beneath Mars’ surface could potentially cover entire planet to depth of about mile. This discovery suggests that Mars has more water than previously thought offering new insights into planet’s history and its potential to support life. Understanding the quantity of water on Mars is crucial for future exploration and for determining whether the planet could have ever supported life.

How Did Scientists Find Water on Mars?

Scientists discovered water on Mars by analyzing seismic data from NASA’s InSight lander.

1. Seismic Data Collection: InSight’s seismometer recorded vibrations and waves traveling through Mars’ interior. These seismic waves help scientists understand planet’s internal structure.
2. Mathematical Modeling: Researchers used a model of rock physics to interpret the data. This model helps to predict how seismic waves move through different types of rocks and materials.
3. Data Analysis: By analyzing seismic data: scientists found that best explanation for observed waves was a deep layer of fractured igneous rock filled with liquid water.

This method allowed scientists to identify water buried deep beneath Mars’ surface.

Can Water on Mars Be Used or Harvested?

Water found on Mars would be difficult to access or use, especially for a future Mars colony. According to the University of California, Berkeley, even drilling a hole a half-mile deep on Earth is challenging. The Martian water is buried miles below the surface, making it hard to reach.

Study co-author Michael Manga from UC Berkeley humorously suggested that it might be a tough problem even for someone like Elon Musk to tackle. So, while the discovery of water is exciting, using it might present significant challenges.

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What Does This Mean for Life on Mars?

Discovering a large reservoir of liquid water on Mars gives scientists insight into the planet’s past and potential climate. According to Michael Manga, a UC Berkeley professor, this finding helps us understand what conditions on Mars might have been like and suggests that water, essential for life, exists beneath the surface.

Manga believes that these underground water reservoirs could potentially support some form of life. On Earth, life thrives in extreme environments like deep mines and the ocean floor. While there’s no direct evidence of life on Mars yet, finding water in these hidden places suggests that Mars might have environments capable of sustaining life.