Liquid water reservoir reported under Mars polar cap

In summary: T summaryIn summary, the analysis of 29 radar profiles collected between May 2012 and December 2015 has identified a 20-km wide region that is consistent with containing water or water-laden sediments. A brief discussion also suggests that temperatures on Mars may be such that there must be a substantial amount of dissolved material to lower the freezing point. The question of whether materials such as concrete, lumber, or clay would reflect as "water-laden" is still unknown, but the term typically refers to a larger amount of water than just hydrated minerals. Some experts, such as geophysicist Kathryn Sturman, believe that the identified region may be more similar to an aquifer. However, data from SHARAD,
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Fewmet
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The analysis is based on 29 radar profiles collected between May 2012 and December 2015. The identified region is about 20-km wide. The report acknowledges the results are consistent with with water or water-laden sediments. A brief discussion on the BBC (with no citations) asserted that temperatures are such that there must be substantial dissolved material to depress the freezing point that much.

Abstract
 
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Would concrete reflect as a "water-laden" material? Same question for lumber and clay?
 
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stefan r said:
Would concrete reflect as a "water-laden" material? Same question for lumber and clay?
Hydration
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_hydration
Water soaked lumber?
 
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stefan r said:
Would concrete reflect as a "water-laden" material? Same question for lumber and clay?
I do not know the details of what would reflect radar of the wavelengths they used, but to me "water-laden sediments" carries a connotation of much more water than hydrated minerals. I heard Kathryn Sturman (geophysicist with the University of Texas) on http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1285450307799 (starting at 11:49) say it might be more like an aquifer.

Sturman mentioned (and the Physics World summary) notes that the SHARAD data of the same region (which was higher frequency radar and would have penetrated as deep) failed to show water.
 

1. What is a liquid water reservoir reported under Mars polar cap?

A liquid water reservoir reported under Mars polar cap is a body of water that has been found underneath the polar ice cap on Mars. This discovery was made using radar data from the Mars Express spacecraft and has been confirmed by multiple independent studies.

2. How did scientists discover this liquid water reservoir on Mars?

Scientists used radar data from the Mars Express spacecraft to map the subsurface of Mars. By analyzing the data, they were able to identify a bright reflection underneath the polar ice cap, which is indicative of a body of water.

3. What does this discovery mean for the possibility of life on Mars?

The discovery of a liquid water reservoir on Mars is significant because water is a crucial ingredient for life. This discovery increases the chances of finding microbial life on Mars and provides a potential location for future human exploration and habitation.

4. How is this liquid water reservoir able to exist on a planet like Mars?

Mars is a cold and dry planet, but the polar ice caps act as a protective layer, trapping heat and enabling the water to remain in a liquid state. The presence of salts and minerals in the water may also lower its freezing point, allowing it to remain liquid even in sub-zero temperatures.

5. What are the implications of this discovery for future missions to Mars?

This discovery opens up new possibilities for future missions to Mars. It provides a potential source of water for astronauts, which would greatly reduce the cost and complexity of transporting water from Earth. It also offers a potential location for studying the potential habitability of Mars and searching for signs of past or present life.

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