Scientists Discover ‘Oceans’ Of Water 12 Miles Below Mars’ Surface

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found evidence of vast underground reservoirs of liquid water on Mars, hidden deep beneath the planet’s surface. This revelation comes from seismic data collected by NASA’s InSight lander, which operated on Mars from 2018 to 2022. The data suggests that there may be enough water beneath Mars’ surface to cover the entire planet to a depth of around a mile, offering new insights into the planet’s geological history and potential for life.

The Discovery: Oceans Beneath the Surface

The recent findings indicate that Mars harbors large amounts of groundwater trapped in tiny cracks and pores within the planet’s crust, located between 7 and 12.5 miles (11.5 to 20 kilometers) below the surface.¹ Using seismic waves generated by marsquakes, scientists were able to probe the interior of the planet, revealing a layer of fractured igneous rock saturated with liquid water.

This underground reservoir, although inaccessible with current technology, sheds light on the history of water on Mars and suggests that much of the planet’s water did not escape into space, as previously thought, but instead filtered down into the crust.²

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Implications for Martian Life

The discovery of liquid water beneath Mars’ surface has profound implications for the possibility of life on the Red Planet. Water is a fundamental requirement for life as we know it, and the presence of this vast reservoir raises the possibility that Mars could host microbial life in its subterranean environment.

Co-author Professor Michael Manga of the University of California, Berkeley, expressed optimism about the potential habitability of this underground environment. “Water is necessary for life as we know it. I don’t see why [the underground reservoir] is not a habitable environment. It’s certainly true on Earth—deep, deep mines host life, the bottom of the ocean hosts life”.

Challenges in Accessing the Water

While the discovery is exciting, accessing this water poses significant challenges. The depth at which the water is located—between 7 and 12.5 miles—makes it difficult to reach with current drilling technology. Even on Earth, drilling to such depths is a formidable challenge, requiring immense resources and infrastructure.

For future Mars missions, this means that while the water could be a crucial resource, it remains out of reach for now. However, the discovery does highlight a promising target for future exploration, both in terms of understanding Mars’ geological history and in the search for extraterrestrial life.

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Insights into Mars’ Geological History

The findings also offer valuable insights into the geological history of Mars. The presence of liquid water deep within the planet’s crust suggests that Mars was once a warmer, wetter place, with conditions that could have supported liquid water on its surface. Over time, as Mars lost its atmosphere and surface water, much of it may have seeped into the crust, where it remains today.

This underground reservoir could be a record of Mars’ past, preserving information about the planet’s ancient climate and the processes that shaped its surface. “Understanding the Martian water cycle is critical for understanding the evolution of the climate, surface, and interior,” said Dr. Vashan Wright, lead author of the study and assistant professor at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.³

The Role of NASA’s InSight Lander

The discovery was made possible by data from NASA’s InSight lander, which used a seismometer to study the interior of Mars. InSight detected over 1,300 marsquakes, allowing scientists to map the planet’s crust, mantle, and core. The seismic data provided a detailed view of the planet’s subsurface, revealing the presence of liquid water deep below.

The success of InSight’s mission underscores the importance of seismic studies in planetary exploration. As researchers continue to analyze the data collected by InSight, more discoveries about Mars’ interior and its potential for life are likely to emerge.

Future Exploration and the Search for Life

The discovery of liquid water deep beneath Mars’ surface adds a new dimension to the search for life on the Red Planet. While the water is currently inaccessible, future missions could focus on developing the technology needed to reach these depths. Additionally, placing more seismometers on Mars could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the planet’s interior, revealing variations in the subsurface environment and potentially identifying other water reservoirs.

As we continue to explore Mars, these findings remind us that the planet is more complex and mysterious than we once thought. The possibility that Mars could harbor life, even in its deep subsurface, fuels the ongoing quest to uncover the secrets of our neighboring planet.

Conclusion

The discovery of vast underground oceans of water on Mars marks a significant milestone in our understanding of the Red Planet. While the water is currently out of reach, its presence offers hope for the possibility of life on Mars and provides valuable insights into the planet’s geological history. As technology advances and exploration continues, we may one day be able to tap into these hidden reservoirs and unlock the mysteries they hold.

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