Mars Insight Lander's Breakthrough Findings
A groundbreaking study may suggest the existence of a massive reservoir of water beneath Mars’ surface. Scientists studied the seismic data collected from NASA’s Mars InSight Lander which recorded more than 1300 “marsquakes” between 2018 and 2022. The data allowed scientists to estimate the amount of groundwater present, suggesting that it could cover the entire planet to a depth of 1 to 2 kilometers (around a mile). However, accessing this liquid reservoir will come with complications as it is located between 11.5 to 20 kilometers (7 to 12 miles) beneath the surface according to the study published earlier this month. How deep it is is comparable with the deepest hole ever drilled on Earth, the Kola Superdeep Borehole; only 23 centimeters (9 inches) in diameter, it took almost 20 years of continuous drilling to finally reach 12.2 kilometers (7.6 miles).
How was it discovered?
The “InSight” in Mars InSight Lander is actually an acronym for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport. The purpose of this mission was to study the interior of Mars with focuses on its crust, mantle, and core through various scientific investigations by collecting data on Mars’ seismic activity and heat flow measurements. The seismic activity of Mars refers to the size, frequency, and speed of seismic waves caused by Marsquakes. By analyzing the behaviors of these seismic waves, scientists can deduct the materials it’s moving through. Above discovering water, by studying the seismic data collected by the InSight Lander, scientists could also infer the crust’s thickness, composition and depth of the core, and a little about the temperature of the mantle. How InSight discovered this information and water on Mars is actually the same technique used on Earth to discover water, oil, or gas beneath the surface.
Implications for Life and Evolution on Mars
The discovery of water reservoirs under the Martian crust has sparked excitement about the potential for microbial life on the red planet. Water is a key ingredient for life as we know it, the presence of it beneath Mars’ surface can suggest a stable environment for microbes to thrive. Unlike its surface, which is subject to harsh radiation and extreme temperatures; the subsurface could offer protection and a more temperate climate conducive to biological processes. Studies of extremophiles on Earth, such as those found in deep underground lakes in Antarctica, suggest that similar life forms could exist on Mars.
Understanding the Martian water cycle is crucial for comprehending the planet's geology and potential habitability. Water on Mars is believed to exist in various states, including ice, vapor, and liquid. This dynamic cycle echoes Earth's hydrological processes, offering clues about Mars' current and past climates. Researchers use satellite imagery, radar data, and on-ground rover explorations to map and monitor water reserves, seeking patterns that could tell us how water moves and accumulates under the surface.
The discovery of water has implications for our understanding of Mars' climate history. Mars likely had a warmer and wetter climate billions of years ago, with flowing rivers and vast oceans. Geological features such as valley networks and sedimentary layers point to a time when water was abundant on Mars’ surface. Over time, Mars' atmosphere thinned, causing most of the surface water to evaporate or freeze. The remaining water is now primarily found as ice. This historical perspective helps scientists piece together the climatic evolution of Mars and assists in future exploration and potential human habitation.
Comparing Martian and Earth's Underground Water
The discovery of water reservoirs under Mars' crust has opened up avenues for comparisons with Earth's subsurface water systems. Both planets exhibit underground water, though our understanding of these reservoirs on Mars is limited. Just like on Earth, these Martian reservoirs could be trapped in porous or beneath layers of ice. This similarity hints at potential commonalities in their geological histories.
Despite these similarities, significant differences in water distribution exist between Mars and Earth. On Earth, subsurface water is relatively abundant and can be found in aquifers spread across the globe. Meanwhile, on Mars, the discovery of liquid water is more isolated, specifically located in the polar regions or under unique geological formations. This difference in distribution might be due to Mars' colder climate and lower atmospheric pressure, which makes the presence of stable liquid water less common.
Future Prospects
The prospects for future exploration and study of Martian water are becoming more and more promising. Another recent study this month analyzing the rock samples collected from Mars’ Jezero Crater in 2022 by NASA’s Perseverance rover has also shown signs of water. Future Mars missions and advanced rover missions equipped with drills will continue to allow scientists to study the composition and distribution of Mars' water.
Understanding these water sources is crucial for future manned missions. If humans are to settle on Mars, knowing where to find and how to utilize this vital resource will be essential. Moreover, deeper insights into Martian water could also shed light on the planet's potential for past, present, and future life. Let’s ride to Mars together.
