This map shows the thickness of layered ice deposits at the south polar region on Mars. The material consists of nearly pure water ice with only a small component of dust (Image: NASA / ESA / ASI / Univ. of Rome)
Could snow on Mars harbour life? Perhaps, thanks to a form of greenhouse effect that creates liquid water beneath an icy crust.
As far as anyone can tell, liquid water is rare on Mars. At the equator, temperatures can rise above freezing, but any snow or ice that melts would quickly evaporate due to the low atmospheric pressure.…
