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On the existence and stability of liquid water on the surface of mars todayThe recent discovery of high concentrations of hydrogen just below the surface of Mars' polar regions by Mars Odyssey has enlivened the debate about past or present life on Mars. The prevailing assumption prior to the discovery was that the liquid water essential for its existence is absent. That assumption was based largely on the calculation of heat and mass transfer coefficients or theoretical climate models. This research uses an experimental approach to determine the feasibility of liquid water under martian conditions, setting the stage for a more empirical approach to the question of life on Mars. Experiments were conducted in three parts: Liquid water's existence was confirmed by droplets observed under martian conditions in part 1; the evolution of frost melting on the surface of various rocks under martian conditions was observed in part 2; and the evaporation rate of water in Petri dishes under Mars-like conditions was determined and compared with the theoretical predictions of various investigators in part 3. The results led to the conclusion that liquid water can be stable for extended periods of time on the martian surface under present-day conditions.
Document ID
20040087949
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kuznetz, L. H.
(University of California Berkeley, CA, United States)
Gan, D. C.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Astrobiology
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1531-1074
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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