Chapter 1: Recent Discoveries of Water on Mars

Recent studies have unveiled significant evidence pointing to the presence of liquid water on Mars. By examining gullies situated at the summits of craters, researchers have concluded that these formations were likely created by flowing water not long ago.

This phenomenon perplexes many scientists due to the resemblance of these Martian channels to those observed in Antarctica after glacial melting. Interestingly, the positioning of these channels is unusual; they are found at elevated levels rather than beneath the surface.

In recent years, scientists have proposed various theories to explain this enigma, including the sublimation of carbon dioxide ice. However, a new research paper indicates that the answer may be as straightforward as the existence of recently flowing water. The research team from the U.S. discovered that when Mars is tilted at 35 degrees, atmospheric density can cause brief periods of surface warming, sufficient to melt existing ice and snow.

Jim Head, a researcher at Brown University, noted, “Our extensive research, along with others in the field, confirms that early in Mars’ history, liquid water flowed on its surface, forming valley networks and lakes. However, around 3 billion years ago, this water disappeared, and Mars transformed into what we now classify as a hyper-arid desert.”

The simulation conducted by the research team focused on Mars' Terra Sirenum region, correlating it with periods of rapid gully formation, aligning with data from as far back as 630,000 years ago.

Moreover, the evaporation of CO2 frost can lead to channel formation by melting ice, which is subsequently eroded further by additional melting. Beneath the surface, it is likely that ice reserves persist, with potentially larger quantities existing in the past.

The concept of flowing water erosion aligns more closely with the Martian landscape than CO2-related erosion, which does not affect rocks in a comparable manner and has not been documented on Earth. Increased satellite imagery has enhanced our understanding of Martian surface features, reinforcing this conclusion.

Jay Dickson from the California Institute of Technology stated, “Our findings suggest that the global distribution of gullies can be better attributed to liquid water over the past million years.”

In addition, the tilt of Mars fluctuates over hundreds of thousands of years, and these changes have been associated with previous ice ages on the planet.

Jim Head further remarked, “Our study illustrates that even after these changes, during periods when Mars’s axis tilts to 35 degrees, the surface heats enough to melt snow and ice, allowing liquid water to return until temperatures drop again and freezing occurs.”

Isn’t that fascinating?

This first video, "Curiosity Finds More Evidence Of Water On Mars," explores the ongoing search for water on the Martian surface and the implications of these findings.

The second video, "Mars Rover Finds Evidence Of Water That You Could Drink," delves into the possibility of water on Mars that is potentially drinkable, showcasing the rover's exciting discoveries.