Scientists are investigating the greenhouse effect needed on Mars to warm the planet's cold climate sufficiently for tree growth, reports Space.com.
A new study reveals the extent to which carbon dioxide (CO2) levels must be raised on the Red Planet for trees and other plants to thrive.
The research was led by Professor Robert Olshesky from the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. He and his team examined the surface energy balance on Mars, which includes the heat exchange between the condensation and evaporation of carbon dioxide, heat transfer with the planet's interior, and heat transport through atmospheric circulation.
"Surprisingly, suitable conditions for plants will initially arise not in the tropics (±25°), but in the region of the Elysium Planitia. Further enhancement of the greenhouse effect on Mars expands this area in the southern hemisphere," the study authors state.
Using a computer model based on real data from Mars, Olshesky and his team assessed the acceptable levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen, water, and temperature ranges necessary for tree growth.
"The atmospheric conditions currently present on Mars make the development of life impossible. The conditions required for tree growth were considered in the context of terraforming the planet and greenhouses," notes Olshesky.
A significant portion of his research focused on the necessary temperature.
"This is a fundamental environmental variable that changes during terraforming and controls the CO2 cycle, as well as maintains water in a liquid state," emphasizes the researcher.
At the same time, the level of oxygen in a denser and warmer atmosphere remains a critical issue.
Ultimately, the scientists concluded that the best conditions for a forest on Mars would be found in the southern hemisphere, where summers are relatively warm and prolonged.
"A long warm youthful summer could provide the first growing season suitable for trees. In particular, we also found that the low elevation of the Elysium Planitia allows for the creation of initial conditions favorable for tree growth," the researchers concluded.
As a reminder, scientists propose creating a strong magnetic field on Mars. To ensure a long-term human presence on the Red Planet, researchers aim to terraform Mars, with one of the primary goals being the establishment of a stable magnetic field.