Scientists estimate a massive ocean’s worth of liquid water could be trapped 20km below the Martian crust, reigniting the search for extraterrestrial life.

Scientists have uncovered new evidence suggesting that Mars, once home to lakes, rivers, and possibly oceans, might still harbour vast amounts of liquid water deep beneath its surface. This revelation has sparked renewed excitement about the possibility of life on the red planet, as liquid water is considered a key ingredient for habitability.

Recent calculations indicate that Mars could have liquid water trapped within its crust, located between 11.5 and 20 kilometres below the surface. These findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, are based on gravity data and seismic wave measurements recorded by NASA’s InSight lander. The seismic waves, which are generated by Marsquakes and meteorite impacts, offer insights into the structure and composition of Mars’s crust.

Dr Vashan Wright, a co-author of the study from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, emphasized the significance of the discovery. “Our liquid water estimate surpasses the volumes previously thought to have filled ancient Martian oceans,” Wright stated. According to Wright, if the data from the InSight lander represents the entire planet, the amount of water trapped in rock fractures could be enough to fill an ocean between one to two kilometres deep.

This discovery reshapes our understanding of how water may have persisted on Mars. While some water is believed to have escaped into space or been absorbed into minerals, the possibility of a substantial amount of water being trapped in the planet’s crust introduces a new perspective. “On Earth, groundwater infiltrates from the surface, and we suspect a similar process occurred on Mars,” Wright explained. “This infiltration likely took place when Mars’ upper crust was warmer than it is today.”

While the presence of water does not necessarily indicate the existence of life, it significantly enhances Mars’ potential habitability. Wright highlighted the importance of this discovery: “We know that life can thrive in Earth’s deep subsurface where water is present. The mid-crust of Mars at least contains one critical ingredient for life as we know it.”

Experts outside the study have also weighed in on the implications of this discovery. Bethany Ehlmann, a professor of planetary science at the Keck Institute for Space Studies, stressed the importance of confirming the existence and exact location of this deep liquid water. “On Earth, where there’s liquid water, there’s life. If Mars has liquid water aquifers, they become prime targets in the ongoing search for life,” she said.

Dr Jon Wade of the University of Oxford shared his perspective, stating that he wouldn’t be surprised to find life on Mars. “Mars, in its early history, could have been just as conducive to simple life as Earth, if not more so,” Wade noted.

However, Dr Steven Banham of Imperial College London pointed out that while the discovery is groundbreaking, accessing this water might prove challenging for human exploration. “The amount of water in the crust is potentially vast, but it will be difficult to reach or use,” Banham cautioned. “It may not significantly impact human missions to Mars, at least in the near term.”

Analysis:

Political: The discovery of significant water reserves on Mars could have profound political implications, particularly in the context of space exploration and international cooperation. Water is a critical resource for sustaining life, and the possibility of its presence on Mars could drive nations to prioritize Martian missions, both for scientific inquiry and potential colonization. This discovery could lead to intensified competition or collaboration among space-faring nations, particularly the United States, China, and the European Union, as they race to explore and possibly exploit Martian resources. International space treaties may need to be revisited or expanded to address the ethical and legal implications of utilizing extraterrestrial water supplies.

Social: Socially, the potential discovery of water on Mars reignites the public’s fascination with the possibility of life beyond Earth. This finding could inspire a new wave of interest in space exploration, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly engaged with science through digital platforms. The concept of water on Mars has long been a fixture in science fiction, and this scientific development could further blur the lines between fiction and reality, stimulating cultural narratives about humanity’s future in space. Additionally, this discovery could shift societal perspectives on Earth’s own water resources, highlighting the rarity and value of this essential element across the universe.

Racial: The quest for life on Mars also brings to the forefront the question of representation in the scientific community. As space exploration becomes increasingly international, ensuring diversity among the scientists, engineers, and decision-makers involved is crucial. The potential discovery of water on Mars presents an opportunity to amplify voices from underrepresented communities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It also raises important questions about the future of human exploration and colonization of other planets, ensuring that these efforts reflect the diverse interests and values of all humanity, rather than being dominated by a few powerful nations or corporations.

Gender: Gender dynamics in space exploration have been evolving, but the discovery of water on Mars could accelerate this change. Historically, space exploration has been a male-dominated field, but recent years have seen more women taking on prominent roles in NASA, ESA, and other space agencies. The potential for human missions to Mars, driven by this new discovery, may further push for gender equality in these fields. Ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate in and lead missions to Mars will be crucial in shaping the future of space exploration. Moreover, the inclusion of women in these efforts could influence the priorities and approaches taken in the exploration of Mars, potentially leading to more holistic and sustainable strategies.

Economic: The economic implications of discovering vast water reserves on Mars are significant. Water is not only vital for sustaining life but also for producing fuel and supporting agricultural activities in space. If future missions can access this water, it could reduce the cost and complexity of human missions to Mars, making long-term colonization more feasible. The discovery could also spark new industries related to space mining and resource extraction, with companies investing in technologies to tap into Martian water supplies. However, this potential also raises ethical questions about the commercialization of extraterrestrial resources and the need for regulations to ensure that Mars is not exploited in ways that could harm future scientific research or potential Martian ecosystems.