Difference between revisions of "Terraforming"
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==Mars and the "Triple Point" of water== | ==Mars and the "Triple Point" of water== | ||
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| + | [[Image:Phase_diagram_water.png|thumb|right|200px|The phase diagram for water, clearly displaying water's [[triple point]].]] | ||
Presently, [[water|ice]] on Mars [[sublimation|sublimes]] as the atmospheric pressure is so low, ice bypasses the liquid phase when heated. Sublimation occurs allowing ice to turn directly into gas (steam). One of the main challenges for future terraforming efforts would be to increase the atmospheric pressure significantly so water can exist as a liquid on the surface of Mars. The atmospheric pressure will therefore need to be greater than the [[triple point]] of water (thereby existing as ice, liquid and gas). | Presently, [[water|ice]] on Mars [[sublimation|sublimes]] as the atmospheric pressure is so low, ice bypasses the liquid phase when heated. Sublimation occurs allowing ice to turn directly into gas (steam). One of the main challenges for future terraforming efforts would be to increase the atmospheric pressure significantly so water can exist as a liquid on the surface of Mars. The atmospheric pressure will therefore need to be greater than the [[triple point]] of water (thereby existing as ice, liquid and gas). | ||
Revision as of 15:10, 11 November 2007
Terraforming, or Earth-shaping, is a theoretical process of modifying a planet's atmosphere to make it habitable for humans. In the case of Mars, terraforming would require artificial thickening of the atmosphere to intensify the process of greenhouse warming (heating the frozen landscape), ice melting to increase the H2O content of the atmosphere (creating water clouds) and greatly increasing the O2 density to ultimately make the atmosphere breathable.
Mars and the "Triple Point" of water
Presently, ice on Mars sublimes as the atmospheric pressure is so low, ice bypasses the liquid phase when heated. Sublimation occurs allowing ice to turn directly into gas (steam). One of the main challenges for future terraforming efforts would be to increase the atmospheric pressure significantly so water can exist as a liquid on the surface of Mars. The atmospheric pressure will therefore need to be greater than the triple point of water (thereby existing as ice, liquid and gas).
