In their paper, the scientists reveal that they are re-examining the surface on Mars that was previously said to be covered by a layer of ice.
“We found that some volcanic-associated terrain produced very strong basal signal analogues to those observed at the South pole of Mars,” the paper was quoted as saying. Science Alert, Wednesday (26/1/2022).
READ: Researchers Find Saltwater Lake on Mars
During a water search using reservoir detection in 2018, radar signals revealed the presence of a highly reflective lake of water 1.4 kilometers below the ice. “This is consistent with underground pools of water,” the researchers said.
Subsequent searches found a more glossy reflective patch, revealing an entire network of underground lakes. On Earth, underground water is a place where there is microbial life that depends on chemical reactions, not sunlight, to survive.
If there was life on Mars, it would probably find a similar environment. But the fact is that Mars is too cold for such a liquid reservoir.
Planetary scientist Cyril Grima of the Texas Institute of Geophysics said that for water to be maintained this close to the surface, it required a very salty environment and a strong source of heat. “That doesn’t match what we know about Mars,” he said.
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