Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the potential existence of vast amounts of water trapped deep within the Martian crust. This remarkable finding raises intriguing questions about the potential for life on the red planet.

According to researchers, Mars harbored not only lakes and rivers but also vast oceans on its surface more than 3 billion years ago. However, as Mars lost its atmosphere over time, these bodies of water gradually disappeared. Today, only permafrost ice at the planet's poles remains visible.

Contrary to previous beliefs that much of Mars' water had been lost to space, recent research suggests that this may not be the entire story. Scientists now propose that water could have become incorporated into minerals, trapped as ice, or even exist in liquid form deep within the planet's crust.

A study conducted by researchers, including Dr. Vashan Wright from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, reveals calculations that suggest large volumes of liquid water could be found trapped within rocks approximately 11.5-20km below the Martian surface.

Dr. Wright states, "Our liquid water estimate exceeds the volumes proposed to have filled possible ancient Martian oceans." The calculations were based on gravity data for Mars as well as measurements obtained by NASA's InSight lander, which recorded the changing speed of seismic waves within the red planet's crust caused by Marsquakes and meteorite impacts.

"A mid-crust characterized by cracked rocks filled with liquid water explains both the seismic and gravity data," explains Dr. Wright. Furthermore, the measurements at the InSight lander location suggest that the water within these rock fractures could fill an ocean on Mars that is 1-2km deep.

Dr. Wright adds, "On Earth, groundwater infiltrates underground from the surface, and we expect this process to have occurred on Mars. This infiltration likely happened when the upper crust was warmer than it is today."

While the research does not rule out other possibilities, such as water being lost to space or trapped within minerals, it provides an opportunity for scientists to reassess the different mechanisms involved in the loss of Martian surface water.

The discovery opens up a tantalizing possibility in the search for extraterrestrial life. While the presence of water does not guarantee the existence of life, water is considered a crucial ingredient for its development. Dr. Wright states, "We know that life can exist in the deep subsurface of the Earth, where there is water. The mid-crust of Mars, at the very least, contains a key ingredient for habitability and life as we know it."

Bethany Ehlmann, a professor of planetary science at the Keck Institute for Space Studies, emphasizes the importance of conducting definitive measurements to ascertain the presence and exact location of deep liquid water on Mars. She believes that if such water aquifers are indeed present, they would be prime targets in the search for life.

Dr. Jon Wade from the University of Oxford expresses his lack of surprise at the potential for life on Mars, suggesting that early in its history, the planet would have been as conducive to simple life forms as Earth, if not more so.

Dr. Steven Banham of Imperial College London highlights the significance of identifying liquid water within the mid-crust of Mars for geophysicists and geologists. It would provide valuable insights into understanding the planet's internal structure and behavior.

However, while the existence of vast quantities of water in the mid-crust of Mars is exciting, doubts remain as to its accessibility and usage for future crewed missions. Dr. Banham suggests that while the water may be abundant, it would be challenging to access and utilize it, potentially limiting its immediate impact on human exploration.

The new findings shed light on the fascinating potential of Mars as a planet with the necessary ingredients for life. Further research and exploration will undoubtedly unveil more secrets about our neighboring celestial body and its history, paving the way for future missions and a deeper understanding of our universe.