Water vapour in Mars' atmosphere could combine with some salts to create brines. Brines can support life on Earth. Could they on Mars?
The existence of water on Mars is a contentious subject. We know there used to be water on the surface of the planet, though it’s long gone now. We know there’s frozen water underground in the world, and we know there’s water vapour in the air. But life needs liquid water.A new study shows how salty water could emerge from the atmosphere onto Mars’ surface under the right conditions.. They have an affinity for water and can absorb it from the atmosphere.
NASA’s MSL Curiosity found evidence of perchlorates in Martian soil with its Sample Analysis at Mars instrument. Image Credit: NASA/JPL The authors modelled two salts in this study: calcium perchlorate and magnesium perchlorate. Brines made of both of these salts can remain liquid down to -70C as long as the relative humidity is high enough.
If there’s any extant life on Mars, it likely needs water. If Mars has a water cycle, it’s focused on brines. Understanding deliquescence and the formation of brines can only help scientists find any of that life if it exists. This is an artist’s illustration of the ExoMars/Rosalind Franklin rover on Mars. Image Credit: ESA/ATG medialab
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