Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars.
According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground.
“We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors.
A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect water on Mars.
The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when seismic waves cross the underground aquifers.
Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars.
However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface.
Scientists are now looking at a new approach which involves marsquakes and holds the capacity to provide the breakthrough in this water hunt.
An innovative technique was proposed by researchers from Penn State, headed by doctoral candidate Nolan Roth and Professor Tieyuan Zhu which can revolutionise the understanding of the hydrological history of Mars.
According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground.
“We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors.
“These seismo-electric interface responses can be created when marsquakes interact with liquid water held in deep aquifers, so they can be used as unambiguous signs of mobile water," they noted.
What are Marsquakes?
Marsquakes are a type of seismic activity that happens on Mars and is similar to earthquakes which occur on Earth.
They are created by the sudden release of energy in the interior of the planet which causes ground vibrations.
Marsquakes can be formed due to various factors which include volcanic activity, the impact of meteorites or tectonic movements.
Scientists by studying the marsquakes can understand the geological activity and internal structure of Mars.
NASA’s InSight lander has played a major role in detecting and studying these quakes after it landed on Mars in 2018.
It was once believed that Mars had vast oceans but through time most of that water vanished.
“The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, over the course of its history, all that water went away. But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven’t been able to find it,” said Roth.
What did the researchers propose?
A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect water on Mars.
The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when seismic waves cross the underground aquifers.
Watch: Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris “If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface, if they pass through water, they’ll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields. These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars," said Roth.
The dry surface of Mars interestingly makes it easier for scientists to detect the signals compared to Earth.
“On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed. In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars’ surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties,” said Professor Zhu.
(With inputs from agencies)
