
Water on Mars
Water on Mars exists mainly as ice at the polar caps and possibly as liquid or vapor underground. Evidence from satellites shows features suggesting past liquid water flows, such as river valleys and mineral deposits formed in wet conditions. Current conditions are very cold and dry, making liquid water rare on the surface, but underground water may still exist in briny, salty forms. Understanding Martian water helps scientists assess the planet’s history, climate, and potential habitability for life, providing valuable clues for future exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.