Martian meteorites reveal two water sources in Mars' history
New research suggests Mars received water from at least two distinct sources early in its formation, based on analysis of meteorites.
A new study led by Jessica Barnes of the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory has uncovered key insights into Mars' water history by analyzing two Martian meteorites. The findings, published in Nature Geoscience, reveal that Mars likely acquired water from at least two vastly different sources early in its history, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's formation.
The research focused on the Northwest Africa 7034 (Black Beauty) and Allan Hills 84001 meteorites. These samples provided a unique window into Mars' crust and interior, as they contain material from different periods in the planet's history. By studying the isotopic ratios of hydrogen—specifically light hydrogen and deuterium—the team was able to trace the origins and evolution of water on Mars.
The results showed that the isotopic composition of Mars' crust falls midway between Earth's unfractionated water and the heavily fractionated deuterium-rich atmosphere of Mars. This suggests that the planet's crust has maintained a relatively stable hydrogen ratio over billions of years, while its atmosphere has undergone significant changes, likely due to solar wind stripping away lighter hydrogen.
Previously, scientists believed that Mars' interior was similar to Earth's, with water that had not been significantly altered. However, Barnes' team found that the variability in Martian meteorite samples could not be explained by atmospheric or terrestrial contamination alone. Instead, the data support the idea that Mars' water sources were distinct and that the planet never had a global magma ocean like Earth or the Moon.
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