Interesting letter to Nature.
If correct it would have big implications for the colonisation of MarsThe divergent fates of primitive hydrospheric water on Earth and MarsDespite 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.
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.
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!
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.
Don't you folks mean "hydrated" minerals?