Scientists Discover Large Water Reservoir on Mars

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified a significant underground reservoir of liquid water on Mars, potentially sufficient to fill oceans on the planet's surface. Utilizing data from NASA's InSight lander, scientists estimate that this groundwater could cover Mars to a depth of one to two kilometers. However, the reservoir's location—deep within the Martian crust, between 11.5 and 20 kilometers below the surface—poses challenges for future extraction efforts, particularly for any potential Mars colony. Vashan Wright, an assistant professor at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, emphasized the importance of understanding the Martian water cycle for insights into the planet's climate and geological evolution. He noted that identifying the location and quantity of water is crucial for future research. The study also sheds light on the fate of water on Mars, suggesting that much of it may have filtered into the crust rather than escaping into space. The research team utilized data from Marsquake waves to infer the presence of liquid water in the crust, employing a model based on rock physics. Their findings indicate that a water-saturated mid-crust is the most plausible explanation for the observed data. The study underscores the significance of geophysical measurements in enhancing our understanding of Mars' mineralogy and crustal composition. These findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of Martian hydrology and its implications for future exploration.