(no subject)

[theweaselking]

New measurements of Mars' south polar region indicate extensive frozen water. The polar region contains enough frozen water to cover the whole planet in a liquid layer approximately 11 meters deep.

Comments

[matgb]

I don't think there can be a bad thing about that discovery.

KSR's Green Mars p4redictions were prescient d'you reckon?

[kafziel.livejournal.com]

We should find a way to melt a big chunk of that, see what happens.

[sivi-volk.livejournal.com]

Solar reflectors, black halotolerant lichens and black dust, maybe a few hydrogen bombs.

Though maybe we should study Mars for a while before engaging in major terraforming operations.

[jagash.livejournal.com]

Pah, we have done all the theoretical work. Heck, we even have written simulation records. /Kim Stanley Robinson commentary

[jerril]

I'd perhaps thunk a comet or two into Mars first to build up the atmospheric pressure so the water doesn't evaporate too quickly.

Although evaporation would increase humidity, which is nice and greenhouse effect-y, we want to avoid clouds to increase planetary albedo until we're good and ready for it.

[sivi-volk.livejournal.com]

Thing is, you don't want to release too much CO2. It would bring up atmospheric pressure and thicken the atmo, but if you want Mars to be livable it'd be a bitch to scrub all the CO2 out later.

Much better to follow Sax Russell's later plans.

[sivi-volk.livejournal.com]

Huh. I heard the general theory (I don't remember specifics) was that the ice at the South pole was mostly CO2, not H2O.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

And if we melt that ice, we'll see the TRUE FACE ON MARS!!!1