Water on Mars and the Potential for Martian Life

Explore the fascinating topic of water on Mars and its implications for potential Martian life in this 52-minute lecture from the Royal Tyrrell Museum Speaker Series. Delve into the current conditions on the Red Planet's surface, examining its topography and the history of water presence. Investigate various geological features such as valley networks, meanders, scroll bars, and deltas, while learning about their distribution and significance. Discover the importance of hydrothermal systems and clay-rich sediments in creating potentially habitable environments. Analyze findings from spacecraft observations, including the Curiosity rover's exploration of Gale crater. Examine the presence of ground ice on Mars today, from polar caps to mid-latitude regions and even equatorial areas at high altitudes. Uncover the intriguing phenomenon of recurring slope lineae (RSL) and their potential connection to flowing salty water. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the many faces of water on Mars and how they contribute to the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.

Intro
Current conditions at the surface of Mars
Topography of Mars
Short history of water on Mars
Valley networks
Meanders, scroll bars
Deltas
Delta distribution
Hydrothermal systems
Older terrains (mid-Noachian, -4 Ga) Clay-rich sediments, habitable environment
"Blueberries" and Jarosite
Curiosity in Gale crater
Spacecraft observations
Fluvial and lacustrine system
Polar caps
Ground ice on Mars today
Ground ice at high latitudes
Mid-latitude ground ice
Equatorial ice at altitude: debris-covered glaciers
Flowing salty water: Recurring slope lineae (RSL)
Summary