Water On Mars Research Paper

For more than fifteen years, the search for sign of water on Mars has finally been found conclusive. Findings from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provided the definite evidence that water flows periodically throughout Mars. Using an imaging spectrometer on the MRO, researchers saw hydrated minerals that are seen as streaks on slopes. These streaks fade in cooler seasons and seem to flow down, as well as darken during the warmer seasons. These flows are called recurring slop linea (RSL). Additionally, the finding of the hydrated minerals causes the darker colors seen on the streaks. Hydrated minerals such as perchlorates have helped interpret the spectral signatures of hydrated salts at several RSL locations. Perchlorates were found by the Curiosity rover and the Phoenix Lander. …show more content…
Although some evidence had already been found in 2000 because of valleys, this idea was found to be very controversial and was heavily debated. Scientists believe, due to observations, that at one point, Mars was covered by oceans and rivers. It was once able to support life in some of its areas because of its warm and wet temperatures. Since Mars is smaller in size it has less gravity and a thinner atmosphere than Earth. Evidently, 87% of water has been lost to space due to evaporation. According to NASA, around 4.3 billion years ago its ocean held more water than the Arctic Ocean. It would have occupied half of Mars’ northern hemisphere and reached depths of a mile or greater in numerous areas. Mars is not the dry, desert planet that people know it to