Jeffrey Risner reported in 1989 that advances in space science made it possible to construct models of the existence, volume, and hydrologic cycle of the ground water on the planet Mars. Out-gassing models of water vapor indicated that the surface of Mars should be covered with water to a depth of 10 to 100 meters (or some 1.4 quadrillion ( 1,400,000,000,000,000) to 14 quadrillion (14,000,000,000,000,000) cubic meters). Geomorphic evidence suggests a depth of at least 500 meters (some 70 quadrillion (70,000,000,000,000,000) cubic meters) of water should occur over much of the planet, yet no surface water, other than glacial ice at the poles (some 2.3 quadrillion (2,300,000,000,000,000) to 9.0 quadrillion (9,000,000,000,000,000) cu. meters), of that exists today.
Martian gravity, though only 40% of Earth, would keep water from escaping the planet, unless disassociated by radiation into space. A survey of surface and atmospheric water volumes indicates that most of the water, some 12 quadrillion (12,000,000,000,000,000) to 60 quadrillion (60,000,000,000,000,000) cubic meters is below the surface as ground water, and likely present within hydrothermal areas in remaining high heat-flow regions yet unrecognized. Preliminary hydrologic cycle models used at the time indicate that Mars has an active but near static hydrologic cycle, dominated by water discharge in desert lowlands (perhaps as seeps during some parts of a Martian year), and water recharge at the ice-covered poles. Ground-water flow likely plays a major role in this system. The lower zones of buried permofrost would be the source for such seeps. Eds Note: The question arises . Why is NASA making such a large deal about water on Mars? We have had evidence of groundwater since the latter 1980s. The seeps recently observed should have been expected. If NASA had professional hydrogeologists on staff, or as consultants, they would have identified these features long ago rather than being surprised by them.
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