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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Probing the Structure and Dynamics of Interfacial Water with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Probing the Structure and Dynamics of Interfacial Water with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2018

H2O at the Phoenix landing site.

P H Smith¹, L K Tamppari, R E Arvidson

¹Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. psmith@lpl.arizona.edu

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|July 4, 2009

Summary

The Phoenix mission found shallow ice and alkaline soil on Mars. This suggests water was present, supporting the potential for past or present Martian habitability.

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$Synthesis and Microdiffraction at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures$

Synthesis and Microdiffraction at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures

Published on: October 7, 2013

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Probing the Structure and Dynamics of Interfacial Water with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Probing the Structure and Dynamics of Interfacial Water with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2018

$Synthesis and Microdiffraction at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures$

Synthesis and Microdiffraction at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures

Published on: October 7, 2013

Area of Science:

Planetary Science
Astrobiology
Mars Geology

Background:

The Phoenix mission aimed to study Martian arctic geology and weather.
Previous missions hinted at water ice on Mars, but direct shallow subsurface investigation was needed.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate patterned ground and weather in Mars' northern arctic region.
To determine the composition and state of the shallow subsurface ice and soil.

Main Methods:

Robotic arm excavation of Martian soil.
Analysis of soil composition, including minerals and salts.
Observation of surface frost and snowfall patterns.

Main Results:

A shallow ice table was discovered at depths of 5-18 cm.
The Martian soil was alkaline (pH 7.7) with calcium carbonate and other minerals.
Water-ice frost and snowfall were observed interacting with the soil.

Conclusions:

The presence of shallow ice and alkaline soil indicates past water activity.
These findings support the potential for habitability in the Martian arctic.
The interaction of water ice with soil is crucial for understanding Martian environmental processes.