Atmosphere and Surface of Mars

  1. Describe the atmospheric conditions in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars during the summer.

  2. Describe the two Martian polar caps – seasonal and permanent composition, and the differences between them.

  3. Why couldn't you breath on Mars?

  4. What is the evidence that water once flowed on Mars?

  5. Is there liquid water on Mars today? Justify your answer.

  6. Is there water on Mars today in any form? Again, justify your answer.

  7. What is the evidence that Mars once had an extensive ocean? Where was it?

  8. If Mars were colonized, what resources could Mars provide and what would have to be brought from Earth?

  9. Since the atmosphere of Mars is mainly the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, why isn't there a significant greenhouse effect warming its surface?

  10. Compare and contrast the evolution of the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, and Earth.