Mars' Ancient Climate and Water

The video explores Mars' ancient climate, revealing it was once warmer and wetter. NASA researchers used infrared telescopes to study water molecules, discovering that Mars lost a significant amount of water, with only 13% of an ancient ocean remaining. This loss is evidenced by the enrichment of deuterium in polar ice caps. Simulations show Mars once had a large ocean covering 20% of its surface. The findings suggest Mars was wet for a longer period than previously thought, extending its potential habitability.

What is the main mystery about Mars' ancient climate?

• Why Mars has a thin atmosphere

• How wet ancient Mars was

• Why Mars has polar ice caps

• How Mars' desert landscape was formed

What did scientists use to study water molecules in the Martian atmosphere?

• Satellites orbiting Mars

• Space probes

• Infrared telescopes on Earth

• Rovers on Mars

What is deuterium?

• A form of carbon

• A type of nitrogen molecule

• A heavy isotope of hydrogen

• A type of oxygen isotope

What percentage of Mars' ancient ocean remains today?

• 87%

• 50%

• 25%

• 13%

Where would Mars' ancient ocean have been located?

• Western valleys

• Equatorial region

• Northern plains

• Southern highlands

What caused Mars' ancient ocean to shrink and recede?

• Increase in temperature

• Meteor impacts

• Volcanic activity

• Loss of atmosphere

Where is the remaining water on Mars stored today?

• In underground lakes

• In the atmosphere

• In the polar ice caps

• In surface rivers

How long was Mars wet according to Curiosity's findings?

• 2 billion years

• 1.5 billion years

• 1 billion years

• 500 million years

What does the new scenario suggest about Mars' habitability?

• Mars had no liquid water

• Mars was wet for a longer period

• Mars was wet for a shorter period

• Mars was never habitable

What is the significance of Mars being wet for a longer period?

• It could have supported life for a longer time

• It had more volcanic activity

• It had a thicker atmosphere

• It had more meteor impacts