The possibility of life on Mars' underground lakes
The possibility of life on Mars' underground lakes The possibility of life existing in underground lakes on Mars is an intriguing topic that has gained attention in recent years due to discoveries suggesting the presence of liquid water beneath the planet's surface. Here's an exploration of the potential for life in Mars' underground lakes: 1. Presence of Liquid Water 1.1. Discovery of Subsurface Lakes : In 2018, scientists using radar data from the Mars Express orbiter discovered evidence of a large subsurface lake beneath Mars' south polar ice cap. Subsequent studies have identified additional subsurface reservoirs of liquid water, suggesting that Mars may harbor extensive underground aquifers. 1.2. Permafrost and Brines : Liquid water in Martian underground lakes likely exists in the form of brines, which are water solutions with high concentrations of dissolved salts. The presence of salts lowers the freezing point of water, allowing it to remain liquid despite