It doesn’t matter how many technological advancements we make; the planet will always be considered vital for living organisms when drinkable water is available. When we think about colonizing Mars, we need to understand the basic needs that the planet must fulfill for us. And remember one thing: we humans, even now, are unable to solve the water shortage problem on Earth, making this issue even more serious when it comes to a new planetary territory like Mars.
Mars has fascinated us for decades. One of the biggest questions about the Red Planet is whether it has water. Water means life as we know it, and its presence on Mars could change everything about how we view the planet. So, let us dig into the evidence and understand what we know about water on Mars.
Yes, Mars Has Water—But Not Like Earth
Mars does have water, but it is not like the lakes, rivers, and oceans we have on Earth. Most of the water on Mars is frozen. You will find it locked in polar ice caps or hidden beneath the surface as ice. There is even evidence of salty liquid water flowing during warmer times, but it is rare and seasonal.
So, where is most of this water hiding? If you look at the coldest regions of Mars, particularly its poles, you’ll find enormous frozen reservoirs. These ice caps hold a vast amount of water, shaping the planet’s climate and atmosphere in ways we are still trying to understand.
Polar Ice Caps: Mars’ Frozen Reservoirs
At the north and south poles of Mars, there are large ice caps made of water and carbon dioxide ice. These polar ice caps expand and shrink with the seasons. In the winter, they grow larger as carbon dioxide from the thin Martian atmosphere freezes. In the summer, some of that ice sublimates (turns directly into gas) and releases back into the atmosphere. Beneath the carbon dioxide ice, there are thick layers of water ice. If we melted it all, it could cover the entire planet in a shallow ocean.
But Mars wasn’t always a frozen desert. If you look at its surface closely, you’ll find evidence that billions of years ago, things were very different.
Ancient Riverbeds and Lakes
One of the most exciting discoveries is that Mars used to have flowing water billions of years ago. NASA’s rovers and orbiters have found dried-up riverbeds, deltas, and even evidence of ancient lakes. The Curiosity rover landed in Gale Crater, which scientists believe once held a large lake. Rocks and minerals found in these areas show signs of being shaped by water. For example, rounded pebbles that look like they were smoothed by flowing streams are clear evidence that water was present.
That was the past, but what about now? While Mars may not have flowing rivers anymore, scientists have found intriguing signs that some liquid water still appears, at least temporarily.
Salty Liquid Water Today
While most of the water on Mars is frozen, there is some evidence of liquid water on the surface today. In 2015, NASA scientists discovered streaks on Martian slopes called recurring slope lineae. These streaks appear during warmer months and vanish when it gets colder. They believe these streaks are caused by salty liquid water. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, allowing it to stay liquid in the freezing Martian temperatures. However, this water is not like what you would find in a glass of drinking water. It is extremely salty and probably mixed with harmful chemicals like perchlorates, making it unsafe for life.
And the surprises don’t stop at the surface. If we dig deeper—literally—we might find something even more promising.
Subsurface Water: Hidden Beneath the Surface
Another exciting discovery is that Mars might have large reservoirs of water underground. In 2018, radar data from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter revealed what could be a lake of liquid water beneath the southern polar ice cap. The water is likely kept liquid by a combination of pressure from the ice above and salts mixed in it. While we cannot drill down to confirm this yet, it opens up the possibility of hidden water that could support microbial life.
Now, here’s the big question: If Mars has water, past or present, could it also have had life?
What Does This Mean for Life on Mars?
Finding water on Mars is not just about quenching a thirst. Water is essential for life, and its presence raises the question: Did life ever exist on Mars? Ancient riverbeds and lakebeds suggest that billions of years ago, Mars had a thicker atmosphere, warmer temperatures, and liquid water flowing on the surface. These conditions could have supported microbial life. Scientists are now searching for fossils or other evidence of ancient life in these areas.
But the search for life is just one part of the story. Water on Mars isn’t just about the past—it could shape our future, too.
What About Future Human Missions?
Water is not just a clue about the past. It is also key to the future. If humans want to colonize Mars, water will be crucial for drinking, farming, and even making fuel. Technologies are already being developed to extract water from the ice or even from the atmosphere. NASA’s Perseverance rover is testing MOXIE, a tool that turns carbon dioxide into oxygen, and similar advancements could help make water extraction on Mars a reality.
However, getting and using that water won’t be as easy as turning on a faucet. Mars makes sure of that.
The Challenges of Using Mars’ Water
While water is present on Mars, using it is not simple. The water is either frozen, salty, or mixed with toxic chemicals. To make it usable, we will need advanced filtration and purification systems. Extracting underground water or melting polar ice will require energy and technology, which are limited in Mars’ harsh environment.
Wrapping It Up
So, is there water on Mars? The answer is yes, but it is not like the water on Earth. Mars has frozen water at its poles, evidence of ancient rivers and lakes, and even traces of salty liquid water today. These discoveries are groundbreaking because they tell us about Mars’ past and its potential for life. They also pave the way for future human missions to the Red Planet. The presence of water makes Mars a promising destination for exploration and maybe even colonization.
Want to learn more about Mars and its mysteries? Check out my book series, where I dive deeper into the science and stories behind humanity’s quest to explore the Red Planet. The next chapter of Mars exploration is just beginning, and you can be a part of it.
