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Scientists explain the reasons that make the search for water on Mars in liquid form a great challenge, despite promising signs on its surface and atmosphere.
The search for water on Mars has always captured the imagination of scientists and the general public. Although progress has been made over the decades, recent studies suggest that the presence of liquid water on the red planet may be even rarer than previously thought.
Recent research indicates that intriguing features such as so-called recurring slope lineae (RSLs) and brines, maybe they are not so promising as imagined.
First theories about water on Mars
More than a century ago, the astronomer Percival lowell speculated that Mars harbored artificial canals designed by intelligent Martian civilizations.
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These channels would have the function of transporting water from the polar ice caps to the driest and lowest altitude regions of the planet.
Although fascinating, this idea was refuted with the evolution of telescopes, which demonstrated the non-existence of these channels. Still, Lowell's hypothesis cemented the search for liquid water on Mars as a priority goal for science.
Since then, the presence of water on Mars has been considered essential for the possibility of life on Mars.
However, the planet's extreme conditions challenge this idea. With extremely low temperatures, a thin atmosphere and little humidity, liquid water tends to freeze, evaporate or boil quickly on Mars.
Despite this, scientists continue to explore scenarios where water could persist in liquid form.
Findings of recurring slope lineae (RSLs)
One of the most studied phenomena is RSLs, which are dark lines observed on Martian slopes. These lines appear during warmer seasons and disappear when temperatures drop, suggesting a seasonal pattern that may be related to water.
However, detailed studies indicate that these lines may be the result of sand and dust flows, without any direct relationship to liquid water.
Another intriguing clue is the polygonal and striped formations in the Martian permafrost, which some scientists have linked to thermal and water cycles.
Additionally, brines, highly concentrated saline solutions, are also often suggested as a possible reservoir of liquid water on Mars.
New evidence challenges existing theories
Despite expectations, a study recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) suggests that finding liquid water on Mars is unlikely in the near future.
The paper, titled “The Elusive Nature of Martian Liquid Brines,” was led by Vincent Chevrier of the University of Arkansas’ Center for Space and Planetary Sciences and Rachel Slank, a researcher at the Lunar and Planetary Institute.
Chevrier has more than 20 years of experience studying Mars and has always been committed to searching for signs of liquid water. However, he warns that the current evidence is not yet conclusive.I've wanted to write this article for a long time because there is a lot of confusion and misinterpretation about water on Mars.”, explained Chevrier.
The researchers analyzed the RSLs and concluded that these formations are more consistent with sand and dust movements than water flows.
Furthermore, data provided by Martian orbiters do not support the hypothesis that water plays a significant role in creating these structures.
Martian brines: the key to liquid water?
Many scientists believe that brines, highly saline solutions, may offer the best chance of finding liquid water on Mars. These liquids freeze at much lower temperatures than pure water, making them a viable alternative on a planet with such extreme thermal averages.
On Mars, salts known as perchlorates are especially promising. For example, a calcium perchlorate brine can remain liquid down to -75°C.
With the average temperature at the Martian equator hovering around -50ºC, these solutions could theoretically exist underground.
However, Chevrier and Slank's study highlighted several limitations that make this hypothesis less optimistic. They pointed out that the amounts of available salts, the vapor pressure conditions and the location of the ice make it significantly difficult for brines to form in relevant quantities.
Furthermore, even if such solutions exist, they would be highly inhospitable to any known life forms on Earth.
Implications for life on Mars
Despite the limitations, researchers do not completely rule out the possibility of biological adaptations. Martian organisms, if they exist, could have developed mechanisms to survive in such extreme conditions. However, this idea remains speculative.
Scientists also stress the importance of continuing to investigate the presence of brines. In addition to their implications for life, these solutions have a direct impact on planetary protection.
Inadvertent contamination by terrestrial microorganisms could compromise the search for indigenous Martian life.
The next steps in Mars exploration include developing more sensitive instruments to detect small amounts of brines and precisely identifying the most promising locations to investigate them.
Laboratory experiments under Martian conditions will also be needed to simulate real-world scenarios and refine search techniques.
Chevrier concluded: “Despite our best efforts to prove otherwise, Mars remains a cold, dry, and completely uninhabitable desert.”. His statement reflects the challenges and reality of space exploration.
