Beneath the desolate surface of Mars, researchers have found a hidden reservoir of water. This water is tucked away deep within the planet’s crust and spreads across its entire landscape. What’s even more intriguing is that this layer of water could potentially be habitable.
The discovery was made possible by seismic data collected by NASA’s InSight lander. By measuring seismic waves inside Mars from marsquakes and meteorite impacts, InSight was able to map out the layers beneath the Martian surface. This seismic analysis revealed a deep layer of fractured igneous rock saturated with liquid water, lying 11.5 to 20 kilometers below the surface and about 1-2 km thick.
It is believed that Mars once had rivers, lakes, and oceans, but as the Martian atmosphere began to disappear around 3 billion years ago, the water dissipated. However, this new research suggests that some of the water did not escape into outer space but instead seeped deeper underground.
The presence of this deep reservoir of water opens up new possibilities for the search for life on Mars. While the surface of Mars is currently uninhabitable, the researchers believe that this deep water reservoir could potentially sustain life. This discovery provides valuable insight into Mars’ climate and potential habitability.
Although this deep water reservoir is fascinating, it poses challenges for practical long-term missions to Mars. Digging a hole that deep is a monumental task, both on Earth and on Mars. For future human missions to Mars, obtaining water from ice deposits near the planet’s polar regions may be a more feasible option.
Researchers continue to laud the success of the InSight mission and the wealth of information it has provided. Not only has InSight shed light on the potential water reserves on Mars, but it has also offered valuable insights into the planet’s crust, mantle, and core. The study detailing this groundbreaking discovery has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In conclusion, the discovery of a hidden reservoir of water deep within Mars’ crust has significant implications for our understanding of the Red Planet. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries of Mars, they are uncovering new possibilities for the planet’s past, present, and potential future. This exploration of Mars’ hidden water reserves marks a crucial step forward in our quest to unlock the secrets of our neighboring planet.
