Researchers have provided numerous pieces of evidence that Mars once had water. And perhaps still does
Once upon a time, liquid water was abundant on the surface of Mars—oceans, lakes, and rivers—but it disappeared about 3 billion years ago; today, rovers explore dried-up lake beds and empty riverbeds. While some of Mars’s water is locked up as ice in the polar caps and as permafrost in the mid-latitudes, the rest of Mars’s water was assumed to have escaped into space. It was thought that atmospheric water vapor was destroyed by solar ultraviolet radiation, and Mars’s low gravity was thought unable to retain the hydrogen portions of this vapor, which would then be carried into space by the solar wind without the global magnetic field to protect it. Meanwhile, the oxygen portions of the vapor would have oxidized surface rocks, leading to the formation of the rusty-red planet we see today.
Different types of plankton have significantly changed the ocean’s color over the past two decades
The color of the Earth’s oceans has changed significantly over the past two decades, and these changes are the result of human-induced climate change. They cannot be explained by natural variability alone, and they affect more than 56 percent of our planet’s oceans, which is more than the total land area on our planet. At the same time, there has been an increase in the number of plankton species Noctiluca scintillans, which is destroying marine ecosystems by depleting oxygen and changing the shape of the food chain.
Acid zone could make up half of the world’s oceans by the end of the century
At 13,000 feet below the ocean’s surface is an acidic zone, and it’s growing. The carbonate compensation depth—the zone where high pressure and low temperatures create conditions so acidic that they dissolve shells and skeletons—could comprise half the world’s oceans by the end of the century. At the same time, declining oxygen levels in the water pose a critical threat to nature and society on Earth.
Oceanographers have explored the area around the Nazca Ridge in the Pacific Ocean and discovered a huge underwater mountain
Oceanographers led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute exploring the depths of the Pacific Ocean discovered a huge seamount in September 2024. The 3,109-meter-high seamount is a major find. It is one of many discoveries made during a 28-day survey in late summer by oceanographers on the research vessel Falkor. But satellites are no less important in exploring the ocean depths — satellites are mapping the Earth’s ocean floor in unprecedented detail.
Scientists have discovered an ancient ocean floor between the Earth’s mantle and outer core
A University of Alabama-led study has previously been seen as only a hint, but it shows that ancient ocean floors may have spanned the entire core-mantle boundary. If the new earthquake data is correct, we will need to add another layer to our understanding of the Earth. This layer, which fits neatly between the Earth’s mantle and outer core, is thought to be an ancient ocean floor that now reconstructs our view of the core-mantle boundary.
Sea levels rose faster than expected in 2024
A NASA analysis showed a surprising rise in sea levels in 2024. Last year’s rise was driven by unusually strong ocean warming combined with the melting of land ice such as glaciers. As a result, Hawaii, for example, is sinking 40 times faster than scientists had previously thought, with some parts of the island chain sinking at a rate of 0.6 millimeters per year, but others are in much worse shape.
Analysis of a sample of asteroid Bennu reveals dust rich in carbon, nitrogen and organic compounds needed for life
Early analysis of a sample of the asteroid Bennu returned by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has revealed dust rich in carbon, nitrogen and organic compounds, all of which are essential components for life as we know it. The sample, dominated by clay minerals, particularly serpentine, reflects the type of rock found at mid-ocean ridges on Earth.
Magnetic field and sea
German zoologists have found that bottlenose dolphins are as good as sharks and other fish in their ability to sense very weak electric fields, which allows these cetaceans to use the Earth’s magnetic field for orientation in space. Underwater compasses have recorded disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field deep under water.
Massive natural and industrial sources of greenhouse gases are accelerating warming
Leaks of methane and carbon dioxide from the ocean floor, from cracks in the ground, industrial leaks and emissions from tropical forests have been detected.
NASA and UNESCO plan to study up to 80 percent of the ocean floor by 2030
The US space agency’s goal is twofold: to understand the nature of the oceans that exist on other planets and to develop technologies to operate in extreme conditions. UNESCO study of the world’s oceans is important for preserving a sustainable climate and ecosystems.
Unexpected sources of ocean pollution
Decaying plastic and nutrients from cities and farms pollute the ocean as much as oil spills.
An island of garbage in the ocean visible from space
An island of garbage floating in the ocean, the size of California, can be seen from space. This was confirmed by Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko.
Global warming contributes to severe storms and floods
The World Meteorological Organization warns that high water temperatures are leading to rising sea levels, which in turn increases the risk of flooding.
By the middle of the 21st century, Arctic ice may completely melt in summer
The planet’s “refrigerator” has broken down. The Arctic Ocean will be completely free of summer ice by 2030. This assumption was put forward by scientists in connection with the noticeable warming of the Arctic Ocean and the melting of Arctic ice.