Water On Mars...?

Mars has always been considered by astronauts and space scientists as the planet closest to Earth in terms of geographical traits. Questions on whether or not water ever existed on Mars or is water still available in Mars commonly fascinates and lures astrobiologists into more explorations. In the pasts, several missions to uncover life in Mars have been made. Images by the Mars Global Surveyor have shown evidences of water in the red planet. There were two gullies inside craters which were photographed twice in 1999 and 2001 and again in 2004 and 2005. They show changes indicating water flow along craters. Again, bright and light colored deposits were concluded as mud, salt or frosts which were left when water passed through them.

            In the past, astronomers assumed that the dark areas on the Martian surface were seas. However, several arguments were made saying that he low atmospheric pressure will not allow water existence, but perhaps liquid carbon dioxide. However, images by Mariner 9 showed images of flat-flooded channels. There are cone with sand bars, channels with second and third order tributary system, tear dropped shaped islands and eroded banks. All these land forms were shaped from episodic flooding. Despite these evidences, it is still not safe to conclude that there is water in Mars. Further evidence suggests that the present condition of Mars is different from before. The water-carved systems are stubby and short which divide into little upstream and end abruptly. This shows that it might have never rained on Mars, but the water had suddenly appeared and disappeared.

            Nowadays, it is believed that there is less abundant water in Mars than in Earth in all three states of matter. Water is locked up in the permafrost and polar caps or the cryosphere. However, there are no bodies of liquid water or the hydrosphere. The present conditions like the low pressure and temperature that will induce freezing and sublimation of water make it impossible for water to exist. Evidence of previous existence is found with the presence of areas similar to Earth’s ocean beds. However, the water seemed to evaporate mysteriously. Astronauts and astrobiologists have found direct and indirect proofs on water existence either on below Mars’ surface like in polar caps, spectroscopic measurement, minerals, eroded craters and stream beds. All these structures can be linked with liquid water.

            Whether or not water has existed in Mars, it is more important to take good care of what people are definitely sure of- that is the water here on Earth. Before all the sources get contaminated by pollutants, people must do something by following EPA’s guidelines and by using the common sense in preserving Earth’s water basins.