Author Topic: Where did the water go? Mars as a sponge.  (Read 2556 times)

Offline nacnud

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Where did the water go? Mars as a sponge.
« on: 12/21/2017 09:46 am »
Interesting letter to Nature. If correct it would have big implications for the colonisation of Mars

The divergent fates of primitive hydrospheric water on Earth and Mars

Quote
Despite active transport into Earth’s mantle, water has been present on our planet’s surface for most of geological time. Yet water disappeared from the Martian surface soon after its formation. Although some of the water on Mars was lost to space via photolysis following the collapse of the planet’s magnetic field, the widespread serpentinization of Martian crust suggests that metamorphic hydration reactions played a critical part in the sequestration of the crust.

I've yet to read it fully, posting to start discussion.
« Last Edit: 12/21/2017 10:19 am by nacnud »

Offline MikeAtkinson

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Re: Where did the water go? Mars as a sponge.
« Reply #1 on: 12/21/2017 10:06 am »
If correct it would have big implications for the colonisation of Mars

Not really, we already know there are lots of hydrogenated minerals on/near the surface. These might be useful for settlements, not stuff further down.

What would be interesting is more information on the presence (or not) of near surface (<1 km) aquifers, but it doesn't look like this letter addresses that issue.

Offline nacnud

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Re: Where did the water go? Mars as a sponge.
« Reply #2 on: 12/21/2017 10:14 am »
I was more thinking that if the water froze/became hydrogenated minerals how would that impact the possibility of oceans in a warmed Mars. Also if the solar wind was not responsible for dehydrating Mars they maybe a warm Mars would hold onto its atmosphere.

Just initial thoughts from the first paragraph of the abstract. Reading further will have to wait until I have time!

Offline nacnud

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Re: Where did the water go? Mars as a sponge.
« Reply #3 on: 12/21/2017 10:22 am »
If correct it would have big implications for the colonisation of Mars
Not really, we already know there are lots of hydrogenated minerals on/near the surface. These might be useful for settlements, not stuff further down.

I agree now. I will finish reading tonight, thanks for the correction.

Offline llanitedave

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Re: Where did the water go? Mars as a sponge.
« Reply #4 on: 12/22/2017 04:44 am »
Don't you folks mean "hydrated" minerals?
"I've just abducted an alien -- now what?"

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