Where is most of Mars's water likely to be located?
A)In ice layers beneath the visible surface
B)In the polar caps
C)In the atmosphere in the form of ice crystals
D)In underground lakes of liquid water

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Recent studies and observations suggest that most of Mars's water is likely to be located in ice layers beneath the visible surface. These ice layers have been detected by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's Shallow Radar instrument, which has revealed the presence of vast underground sheets of ice throughout the planet's mid-latitudes. This discovery suggests that Mars may have a much more extensive reservoir of water than previously thought, albeit mostly in the form of ice. The polar caps contain water ice as well, but they account for only a small fraction of the planet's water supply. The atmosphere contains only traces of water vapor and ice crystals, and any liquid water on Mars is likely to be very scarce and confined to underground reservoirs.

Where Is Most of Mars's Water Likely to Be Located