Scientists have detected frost on Mars' tallest volcano, Olympus Mons, indicating a sparse but active water cycle on Mars. A study has uncovered significant reserves of liquid water deep within Mars' rocky outer crust, marking the first discovery of liquid water on the planet.
Recent Findings Related to Water on Mars
Water on Mars' Volcano:
Frost Formation: During Mars' winter mornings, frost forms in the calderas of the Tharsis volcanic region, including Olympus Mons.
Frost patches evaporate when sunlight reaches the equator.
Detected by ESA's Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express Orbiter, frost forms due to microclimates created by air circulation around mountain summits and calderas.
Water in Mars' Crust:
The research, titled 'Liquid Water in the Martian Mid-Crust', utilized data from NASA’s Mars InSight Lander, which recorded seismic waves for four years.
Depth and Location: Water-containing layer identified at depths of 10 to 20 kilometers within Mars' crust.
Volume Estimate: If findings are representative of Mars, the water trapped in rock fractures could fill an ocean 1-2 kilometers deep across the planet.
Data suggests a layer of fractured igneous rock, such as granite, deep below the surface, with cracks filled with liquid water.
Water likely infiltrated from surface rivers, lakes, and oceans from billions of years ago, suggesting a previously warmer crust.
While not confirming life, the discovery hints at a potentially habitable environment due to the presence of liquid water.
Implications:
Potential for Life: Discovery suggests conditions that may be similar to Earth's deep-sea environments, raising the possibility of finding life as water is essential for life.
Significance of Frost Discovery: Indicates Mars has a dynamic water cycle, albeit sparse, with seasonal frost formation.
Implications of Liquid Water Discovery:
Reveals potential ancient water reservoirs, supporting theories of a warmer, wetter past on Mars.
Enhances the possibility of Mars having had habitable conditions.
Both discoveries contribute to our understanding of Mars' climatic and geological history and the potential for past life.
The study, ‘Liquid water in the Martian mid-crust’, was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). It was carried out by Vashan Wright, Matthias Morzfeld, and Michael Manga of the University of California San Diego.
