Mars discovery: Seismic hints at hidden water reservoirs
Is there water on Mars? Recent research indicates the possible existence of a water reservoir beneath the surface of the Red Planet.
Studies suggest that Mars may be rich in water. Scientists hypothesize that deep below the surface, there could be substantial water reservoirs. As reported by Science Alert, data from NASA's InSight mission revealed that seismic waves slow down in a layer located 3 to 5 miles below the surface. This could indicate the presence of liquid water at these depths.
Mars was rich in water
Mars wasn't always an arid desert. Billions of years ago, during the Noachian and Hesperian periods, rivers and lakes were common. A hydrological catastrophe occurred due to changes in the planet's magnetic field and the thinning of its atmosphere. Water became trapped in minerals, some froze, and some evaporated, leading to the current conditions on the Red Planet.
According to Science Alert, data from the InSight lander has allowed scientists to identify an anomaly beneath Mars's surface. The layer between 3 and 5 miles deep, where seismic waves move more slowly, might be porous rock saturated with water. This discovery suggests that Mars may have underground water reservoirs similar to those on Earth.
The InSight lander provides answers
The InSight lander was sent to Mars by NASA in 2018 to, for the first time in history, detail the interior of the Red Planet. Thanks to advanced scientific instruments, such as the SEIS seismometer and the HP³ heat flow probe, the mission allowed scientists to peer beneath the Martian surface and better understand its structure—from its thin crust to its core. InSight detected numerous seismic tremors, confirming that Mars is a geologically active planet. While not all instruments worked as planned, the mission provided unprecedented data, altering our perspective on the evolution of rocky planets in the Solar System.
Water is crucial for future missions
The discovery of underground water reservoirs on Mars could play an essential role in potential colonization scenarios and impact the success of future space missions. Reservoirs rich in this precious substance could supply drinkable water to expeditions. Water reservoirs could also be valuable for obtaining oxygen and rocket fuel. Extracting water from such depths will be a significant technological challenge.
Drilling on Mars is a formidable challenge, but data from InSight suggests that there may be other areas rich in water, such as Utopia Planitia. New research missions are essential to map potential water layers across the planet. Future rovers may explore these reservoirs, analyzing their chemistry for signs of life.
