Mars Could Hide Enough Water to Cover the Planet in a 9-Foot Ocean
Scientists have found evidence of a huge water ice reservoir beneath the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) near Mars’ equator. If melted, it could cover the entire planet in about nine feet of water—making it the largest known water source in this region.
New data from the Mars Express orbiter’s MARSIS radar shows the ice could be up to 2.2 miles (3.7 km) deep—much thicker than previously thought.
“We’ve explored the MFF again using newer data from Mars Express’s MARSIS radar and found the deposits to be even thicker than we thought,” said Thomas Watters, lead study author. “Excitingly, the radar signals match what we’d expect from layered ice, similar to Mars’ known polar ice caps.”
Stretching hundreds of miles, it sits between Mars’ northern lowlands and southern highlands. Some thought it was made of dust or volcanic ash, but new findings suggest it’s mostly ice.
Radar scans show the formation is low in density and transparent to signals—hinting at ice. Now, researchers believe a massive ice layer lies beneath the dust.
“This latest analysis challenges our understanding of the Medusae Fossae Formation,” said Colin Wilson, an ESA scientist. “If confirmed, these ice deposits would change our view of Mars’ climate history and be a key target for exploration.”
Mars’ poles have ice, but their extreme conditions make landing difficult. Equatorial ice, however, could be a game-changer for human missions—providing water for drinking, oxygen, and fuel.
“The MFF deposits are buried under thick dust, so they’re out of reach for now,” Wilson added. “But each discovery helps us understand Mars’ water history.”
The finding also suggests Mars once had a very different climate. Protected by dust, this ice may hold clues to the planet’s wetter past.
