Can we give mars an atmosphere
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Can We Give Mars an Atmosphere?
Current State of Mars' Atmosphere
Mars' atmosphere is thin and primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), with minor constituents such as water vapor, carbon monoxide, atomic oxygen, molecular oxygen, ozone, and atomic hydrogen6. The atmospheric pressure on Mars is less than one hundredth of that on Earth, making it a challenging environment for human habitation6. Despite its thinness, the Martian atmosphere is rich in dust aerosols and exhibits various meteorological phenomena, including dust storms, airglow, and atmospheric gravity waves1.
Historical Climate and Atmospheric Evolution
Mars likely transitioned from a warmer, wetter climate to its current cold, arid state9. This drastic climate change suggests that Mars may have once been more hospitable to life8. The escape of carbon via photodissociation and sputtering has played a significant role in the atmospheric evolution, enriching heavy carbon (13C) in the Martian atmosphere9. Understanding these processes is crucial for any attempts to modify the Martian atmosphere.
Feasibility of Creating a Breathable Atmosphere
Photosynthetic Oxygen Production
One proposed method for creating a breathable atmosphere on Mars involves photosynthetic oxygen production. This would require the growth of photosynthetic microorganisms, assuming adequate amounts of water, carbon dioxide, and mineral nutrients are available on the Martian surface2. However, achieving optimal rates of oxygen formation would necessitate a significant increase in both average temperature and atmospheric mass2.
Super Greenhouse Gases
Another approach involves the use of super greenhouse gases, such as perfluorocarbons, to warm Mars and thicken its atmosphere, making liquid water stable on the surface7. This process could take approximately 100 years. If enough carbon dioxide is released from the South Polar Cap and the regolith, it could create a thick and warm CO2 atmosphere capable of supporting various microorganisms, plants, and invertebrates7.
Challenges and Timeframe
Creating an Earth-like atmosphere on Mars is a monumental task that would require thousands of years. The conversion of CO2 into oxygen by a planet-wide Martian biosphere would take over 100,000 years to reach Earth-like oxygen levels7. Additionally, the energy requirements and time constants for initiating a runaway greenhouse effect are currently unknown, adding further complexity to the endeavor2.
Ethical Considerations
Bringing life to Mars raises significant ethical questions, particularly concerning the potential existence of indigenous Martian life. The value of a planet with or without a global biosphere must be carefully weighed7.
Conclusion
While the idea of giving Mars an atmosphere is theoretically possible, it involves numerous scientific, technical, and ethical challenges. The process would be lengthy, requiring significant advancements in our understanding of Martian meteorology, climate, and the interactions between its surface and atmosphere. Future exploration and research will be crucial in determining the feasibility of such an ambitious project.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The atmosphere of Mars as observed by InSight
The InSight lander has revealed new atmospheric phenomena on Mars, including airglow, bores, infrasound, and Earth-like turbulence, which will enhance our understanding of Mars' meteorology and future exploration.
Highly CitedAtmospheric engineering of Mars
Photosynthetic oxygen production on Mars is feasible, but requires significant temperature and atmospheric mass increases, and could take thousands of years.
CONCERNING AN ATMOSPHERE ON MARS
Mars' atmosphere must be significantly smaller than the Earth's, as its mass is only o. 11 that of the Earth.
The Atmosphere of Mars
The atmosphere of Mars primarily consists of carbon dioxide with a small amount of water vapor, and its pressure is less than one hundredth of that on Earth.
The physics, biology, and environmental ethics of making mars habitable.
Making Mars habitable using super greenhouse gases could potentially support life, but ethical concerns include the possibility of indigenous life and the value of a global biosphere.
Tracing the fate of carbon and the atmospheric evolution of Mars
Mars' climate evolved from a warmer, wetter early state to a cold, arid current state, with no missing reservoirs or loss processes.
Highly Cited