Читать книгу Geology For Dummies - Alecia M. Spooner - Страница 62

Geology is no longer confined to Earth. Advances in scientific understanding of the earth’s planetary systems have helped scientists apply that understanding to other planets. Fields of current research include the search for extraterrestrial, or alien, life.

When astrogeologists — planetary geologists — look at the surface of Mars, they see features that remind them of features on Earth created by running water. While there is no water on Mars’s surface now, these features suggest that large amounts of water once flowed across the surface, presumably originating from underground sources on the planet.

The exploratory Mars rover project is currently collecting sediment samples and other evidence that suggest there may be water not far below the surface of Mars. New data is examined from the rovers all the time and adds to scientists’ understanding of Mars’s planetary processes.

Why does it matter if there is water on Mars (or any other planet)? One reason is that life on Earth requires water, which means if there is water on another planet, there may be life. Another reason scientists are interested in extraterrestrial water is that water will be necessary for any future human settlements on Mars. It may sound like a movie plot, but it’s real-life science!