The Geohydrology of Mars

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe recent advances in space science have now made it possible to construct models of the existence. volume, and hydrologic cycle of the ground water of the planet Mars.Outgassing models of water vapor indicate that the surface of Mars should be covered with water to a depth of 10 to 100 meters (1·4 × 1015 to 1·4 × 1016m3). Geomorphic evidence suggests a depth of at least 500 meters (7 × 1016 m3) of water should occur over much of the planet, yet no surface water, other than glacial ice at the poles (2·3 × 1015 to 9 × 1015 m3), exists today. Martian gravity, though only 40 percent of Earth's, would keep water from escaping the planet. A survey of surface and atmospheric water volumes indicates that the majority of water, 1·2 × 1016 to 6 × 1016 m3, is hidden as ground water.Hydrologic cycle models indicate that Mars has an active but near static hydrologic cycle, dominated by water discharge in desert lowlands and water recharge at the ice‐ covered poles. Ground‐water flow plays a major role in this system.