New research conducted using the MARSIS radar has uncovered surprising discoveries – ice deposits on Mars are even larger than previously believed. The lead author of the study, Thomas Watters from the Smithsonian Institution, emphasizes that the formation known as Marte Vallis Formation (MFF) has a thickness of 3.7 km. This important finding could completely change our understanding of Mars’ history.
Until now, scientists were concerned that there might not be enough ice on Mars to create such large deposits like the MFF. However, the latest radar data indicates that this formation is saturated with ice. The radar signals received are similar to those characteristic of the polar regions of Mars, where a significant amount of ice is known to exist.
The ice deposits in the MFF are so massive that if they were to melt, the water would cover the entire surface of the planet to a depth of 1.5 to 2.7 meters. This is equivalent to the amount of water in the Red Sea. It is undoubtedly the largest discovery in the field of water on Mars.
Additional research and analysis of radar data, as well as computer simulations, suggest that the MFF contains layers of ice and dust, and their density is maintained by a thick layer of dust or ash several hundred meters thick. This discovery suggests that Mars, although it appears to be a dry planet, has abundant traces of water, from dried-up riverbeds to the floors of oceans, lakes, and valleys carved by water.
This fascinating discovery opens up new avenues of research on Mars. How long ago were these ice deposits formed, and what was the climate on Mars in those times? This could completely change our current understanding of the planet’s history. Furthermore, the ice deposits present a potential future mission for both crewed and robotic exploration, aiming to delve into the mysteries of Mars.
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