Difference between revisions of "Water"
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Revision as of 05:51, 21 November 2007
Water is a chemical compound consisting of a single oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Clean water is essential almost all known forms of life, and its unique properties make it invaluable for most industrial processes. Although water in the liquid phase is abundant on Earth, its scarcity on Mars make it into a critical resource to be treasured.
Evidence for water on Mars
Starting in 2004, the evidence of the presence of water on Mars has been mounting. The Opportunity rover discovered geological markers - stratification & cross-bedding - near its landing site which pointed to significant flows of water at some time in Mars' history, and around the same time the Mars Express orbiter detected the spectral evidence of water present in the polar regions. In 2005, Mars Express confirmed this by locating an area of solid water ice near the north pole.
Industrial processes
Many industrial processes considered for a Mars settlement, in particular the production of methanol and methane, require hydrogen gas. This can be obtained by electrolysis, with oxygen gas as a byproduct.
Most other processes require the use of significant quantities of water as a solvent for reagents such as acids or ammonia.
External Links
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